Ball State started its football season running and passing on all cylinders in a 42-to-6 thrashing of Central Connecticut, last night, at Scheumann Stadium.  The Cardinals amassed a school-record 652 yards of total offense. Ball State demonstrated balance on offense, racking up 336 yards through the air, and 316 rushing yards.

Ball State first-string quarterback Riley Neal returned from injuries suffered last season, and threw for 259 yards and two touchdowns. Neal scored a rushing touchdown, himself, as well.

The Cardinals defense was pitching a shutout until 12 seconds left in the contest, when the Blue Devils’ Aaron Dawson scored on a two-yard run.

Next Saturday the Cards take on Notre Dame, at South Bend.  Kickoff is at 3:30 p.m. on NBC.