IU leads Ball State at halftime, 17-14

Kevin Wilson’s offenses at Oklahoma were known for a frenetic tempo and through one half of play, it appears Wilson has brought that pace to IU. The Hoosiers hold a 17-14 lead over Ball State after one half of play at Lucas Oil Stadium in Indianapolis.

IU outgained Ball State in yardage 226-155 in the first half, in large part due to a 65-yard bomb from sophomore quarterback Edward Wright-Baker to senior wide receiver Damarlo Belcher for IU’s second score.

As reported by the IDS Friday, Wright-Baker emerged as the starter after a long battle to replace Ben Chappell. Thus far, he has done little to suggest he will relinquish the role soon. Through one half, he is 12 for 16 for 159 yards with one touchdown.

Redshirt freshman Matt Perez and sophomore junior college transfer Stephen Houston have split carries at running back. Perez scored the first touchdown for IU and each back has 37 yards on eight carries.

IU’s defense, however, has looked porous up the middle on both runs and passes, allowing 156 yards.

Stay tuned to Hoosier Hype for continuing coverage and check back to idsnews.com after the game for a recap.