After an encouraging start to their season in a 42-to-6 win over Central Connecticut and an eight-point loss at Notre Dame, Ball State’s football Cardinals have dropped two winnable games in a row with error-riddled performances at Indiana and at home against Western Kentucky.

The Cards dropped a 28-20 decision against the Hilltoppers, Saturday, in front of 15,873 fans at Scheumann Stadium.  Ball State was flagged for 10 penalties totaling 118 yards, nearly the same number yards the Cards amassed on rushing, at 120.

On a brighter note, Cardinals quarterback Riley Neal had another impressive performance completing  27 of 45 passes for 285 yards and a touchdown. Riley Miller caught eight passes for 112 yards, while Corey Lacanaria grabbed eight passes for a career-high 99 yards. Caleb Huntley racked up 59 yards rushing on 10 carries.

Mid-American Conference play begins next Saturday afternoon for Ball State, at Scheumann Stadium, in the second of three home games in a row.  Kent State visits “The Scheu,” for a 3 p.m. kickoff.  Kent State lost at Ole Miss on Saturday, 38 to 17.