Missouri State football's first win over an FBS opponent since 1990 will have to come when the program is an FBS program come 2025 or beyond.
The Bears (0-2) couldn't come away with a historic win over Ball State (1-0) after falling 42-34 on Saturday afternoon in Muncie, Indiana. The game served as a dress rehearsal of sorts when Missouri State will join Conference USA and the FBS ranks next season.
Missouri State is now 1-41 against FBS opponents. The Bears have a lot of work to do before being a competitive team at the next level.
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Missouri State football collapses for the second straight week
For the second week in a row, an avalanche of mistakes prevented Missouri State from earning a historic win.
Missouri State appeared to grab momentum midway through the third quarter when linebacker Kaney Young stopped the Cardinals on fourth down, leading to a drive that finished with Jacardia Wright in the end zone.
Ball State immediately responded with a touchdown march of its own. The Bears appeared to have their second interception return for a touchdown of the game but it was wiped away due to a penalty. BSU quarterback Kadin Semonza, however, hit receiver Malcolm Gillie on a short pass who broke three tackles en route to a 41-yard score.
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On the ensuing kickoff, returner D'Vontae Key fumbled during his return with Ball State recovering. Semonza soon after hit Braedon Sloan for an 11-yard go-ahead touchdown.
As soon as you thought it couldn't get worse, MSU quarterback Jacob Clark's pass went off his receiver's hands and into a Ball State defender's. The Cardinals scored six plays later, on third-and-14, when Samonza hit a wide-open Qian Magwood to go up two touchdowns.
Missouri State's offense was hard to watch against Ball State
Whether it was due to being down two starting offensive linemen or not, Missouri State's offensive performance was disappointing.
The Bears had 68 total yards in the first half with 44 coming on their first play. They finished the afternoon with 320 total yards and three sustained scoring drives, one being in garbage time. Their biggest play came on a 57-yard second-half touchdown pass from Clark to Lance Mason.
Clark finished the afternoon 19 for 32 with 258 yards, two touchdowns and an interception.
Missouri State couldn't establish a ground game with Jacardia Right finishing with 42 yards and a score.
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Missouri State defense appeared to play well until late
The game could've been worse if it wasn't for the Bears' defense. It was on the field for most of the first half and still had the game tied at seven at halftime.
P.J. Hall's interception return for a touchdown turned into the Bears' first-half points.
Late in the game, it appeared the defense was gassed. Ball State scored on third-and-long twice deep in Missouri State territory and turned a fourth-and-short into a 41-yard touchdown reception because of three missed tackles.
This article originally appeared on Springfield News-Leader: Missouri State football falls apart in Week 2 game at Ball State
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