Ball State posts first shutout since 2008 with 31-0 victory

MUNCIE, Ind. (AP) — John Paddock threw for three touchdowns and Ball State beat Murray State 31-0 on Saturday for the Cardinals' first win of the season and their first shutout in 14 years.

Carson Steele added 151 yards on 25 carries, including a 1-yard score that made it 31-0. Paddock was 27-of-44 passing for 217 yards with an interception.

Ball State's first three scores came on Paddock passes to Brady Hunt, Tanner Koziol and Jayshon Jackson. The Cardinals (1-2) led 14-0 at halftime and 24-0 after three quarters.

The Cardinals outgained the Racers 476-155.

The Cardinals' last shutout came in 2008 against Toledo — also 31-0. In this one, Nic Jones had a pair of interceptions, the first Cardinal with two picks in a game since Amechi Uzodinma II had two versus Miami (Ohio) in 2019.

Isaac McNamee was just 7-of-22 passing for 57 yards and two interceptions for the Racers (0-3). Jawaun Northington rushed for 71 yards on 17 carries.

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