Ball State cruised to a 42-28 victory over Akron on Saturday, with quarterback Ty Robinson completing 37 passes to lead the Cardinals' offensive attack. The home team controlled the game from start to finish, jumping out to a 14-0 first-quarter lead behind early touchdowns from Kiael Kelly's 26-yard run and a 33-yard Kelly scramble that set up another score.

Akron stayed competitive early but couldn't maintain momentum. Ben Finley connected with Kyan Mason for a 37-yard touchdown reception to keep the Zips within reach, but Ball State's defense stiffened when it mattered most. The Cardinals dominated the third quarter with a devastating 69-yard touchdown run by Qua Ashley, then added another 14 points in the fourth to seal the outcome.

Eric Weatherly led Ball State receivers with nine catches, while Akron's Jordan Gant rushed for 94 yards in a losing effort. The Cardinals never trailed in a game marked by eight lead changes, with Ball State improving as the game progressed to ultimately cover the two-point spread in a high-scoring affair that surpassed the 44-point over/under.