TERRE HAUTE, Ind. – Indiana State remains in-state this weekend as the Sycamores hit the road to Muncie, Ind. to continue the battle for the Victory Bell as ISU takes on Ball State on Saturday afternoon. Kickoff inside Scheumann Stadium is set for 2 p.m. with the game set to be carried live on ESPN+ and 105.5 The Legend.
Notes
Victory Bell History
Indiana State and Ball State are back in the battle for the Blue Key Victory Bell this weekend as the Sycamores take on the Cardinals in what was once an annual battle for the trophy between the programs. The two schools met regularly between 1924 and 1991 but sporadically since that season. The Victory Bell came into being in the 1940 season when the Blue Key chapters at both Indiana State and Ball State agreed to donate a bell to the winner of the football game between the two schools. The bell has resided in the Indiana State football offices since 2014 when ISU topped Ball State in Muncie, 27-20, in the program's first win in the series since 1987.
The series has seen history between the teams with competition held in Terre Haute, Muncie, and including a five-year stint played at the Hoosier Dome in Indianapolis from 1984-89. Since 2002, all games have been held in Muncie following Ball State remaining in Division I-A, while ISU moved down to Division I-AA (now FCS).
ISU's Last Win in the Series
The Indiana State football team used an attacking style of play to recover from an early deficit and made a fourth quarter defensive stand as time expired to earn a thrilling 27-20 road victory over Ball State in front of 15,860 fans inside Scheumann Stadium. The win returned to Blue Key Victory Bell to Terre Haute for the first time since 1987. The Sycamores were led by strong quarterback play in the contest as Mike Perish went 25-of-43 through the air for 317 yards and three touchdowns, while Gary Owens was the top target with seven catches for 107 yards. Kyani Harris was the difference-maker down the stretch with the game-winning 28-yard grab with just under four minutes remaining in the contest.
Turnovers were key in the contest with Connor Underwood wreaking havoc in the backfield on his way to a career-game. The Sycamore posted 12 tackles, 2.5 tackles-for-loss, and 1.5 sacks on the day while adding a fumble recovery and a pass breakup. The Sycamores special teams also played a key role in the field position battle in the win. The ISU victory marked the last time the two programs have competed against each other and marked the Sycamores' first win in Muncie since 1982 and first win over an FBS opponent since 2011.
Blackwell's Hot Start
Maddix Blackwell has continued to make a name for himself in the 2023 season as the redshirt sophomore had made the second-year leap to lead the Sycamore defense this season. The Bloomington, Ind. native sits among the FCS leaders in both tackles (20), tackles per game (10.0), and solo tackles per game (5.5), while also sitting among the leaders in interceptions (1) and defensive touchdowns (1).
Pressed into a starting role as a freshman in 2022, Blackwell lined up primarily in the nickelback role before taking on a recurring spot as a safety. He thrived in the role finishing fourth overall on the team in total tackles (51.0), while adding 4.0 tackles-for-loss and six pass breakups over the season.
Heading into 2023, Blackwell was slotted in as one of the Sycamore starters in the safety role and he has continued to produce. With All-American
Rylan Cole still out as he continues his recovery from surgery, Blackwell has taken a leadership role on the team finishing as the program's leading tackler over the first two contests, while impacting the team with a role in both turnovers generated by the defense. He's produced 110 turnover yards on the year following a 35-yard interception return in the opener against EIU, while his 75-yard fumble recovery scoop-and-score at Indiana led to Indiana State's first points of the 2023 season.
Sycamore Keys to Win
Indiana State has had a number of trends work in their favor during the Mallory coaching era that could be seen as keys to winning on Saturday afternoon. The Sycamores have posted winning records when scoring first, leading at the half, posting more rushing yards, and forcing more turnovers. Indiana State also has a favorable record when keeping the game close within three points or fewer.
The Sycamores are 14-8 when scoring first since the 2017 season and 14-1 overall when leading at the half as Indiana State has been successful in protecting a lead. ISU's ability to run the ball has been key to their efforts with a 16-8 mark when posting more rushing yards than their opponents. Winning the turnover battle is always a key to the game with ISU sitting 11-6 in forcing more opponent miscues on the year. The Sycamores are also key when keeping the game close with a 5-4 mark in games decided by three points or fewer.
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