Get to Know Ball State, Georgia's Second Foe of 2023

Georgia's 2023 campaign continues Saturday against Ball State from the Mid-American Conference.

For just the second time in the storied history of both programs, Georgia squares off against the Oklahoma Sooners.

We all wish that was the case. The SEC forced both schools to cancel this year's meeting in Norman since the Sooners are set to join the SEC next season. Instead, Georgia found a replacement in Ball State, the 2020 Mid-American Conference Champions.

This is the first-ever meeting between Georgia and Ball State, and the Bulldogs' sixth game against members of the MAC. Georgia defeated Kent State last year and in 1998; Buffalo in 2012; and Central Michigan in 2008. Georgia's only loss to a MAC school came against Miami of Ohio in 1974.

Ball State is coming off a 44-14 loss to Kentucky in which the Cardinals committed two turnovers and were outgained 357-295. Last year was a disappointing season as the Cardinals finished 5-7 and fourth in the MAC West standings. They are currently on a four-game losing streak dating back to last season, and have lost five of their last six games.

Ball State Cardinals wide receiver Ty Robinson (2) and Ball State Cardinals offensive lineman Corey Stewart (75) celebrate a touchdown during the third quarter against the Kentucky Wildcats at Kroger Field. Mandatory Credit: Jordan Prather-USA TODAY Sports

Offense

Kadin Semonza takes over as the starting quarterback after last year's starter John Paddock transferred to Illinois. Semonza took care of the ball but failed to generate much on offense, going 15-of-21 with 165 yards and one touchdown in the third quarter. He was also sacked once and generated just two yards on six carries.

He did a good job spreading the ball to his top three receivers Ty Robinson, Tanner Koziol and Qian Magwood. Robinson led the Cards with 90 yards on five catches, while Koziol had a team-high eight catches which generated 66 yards. This group is a good test for Georgia's secondary, especially first-year starter at cornerback Daylen Everette.

Another transfer Ball State is trying to replace is running back Carson Steele. The now-UCLA Bruin rushed for 1,583 yards last year while adding 166 yards as a receiver. Marquez Cooper led the rushing attack against Kentucky with 33 yards on 15 carries. Kiael Kelly added 21 yards on seven carries. As a team, Ball State mustered just 72 rushing yards.

Defense

At times last year, Ball State's defense kept them in games. The Cards limited their opponents to 21 points or less five times, and finished 3-2 in those games. Other times Ball State struggled to keep its opponents out of the end zone, allowing at least 30 points five times. Ball State went 1-4 in those games.

Linebacker Clayton Coll led the team with 110 total tackles last year, and he's back to lead the Cardinals this year. He finished Saturday's contest with four tackles. Ball State also returns linebacker Cole Pearce, who was a backfield threat last year with 14 tackles for a loss, including five sacks. Pearce also had four tackles Saturday, but none resulted in a loss.

This duo will provide a good stress-test for Georgia's rushing attack, which struggled to generate yardage against UT-Martin. Outside of a 37-yard run by Kendall Milton, and a 23-yard carry by Roderick Robinson, Georgia rushed for just 99 yards on 28 carries.

Ball State Cardinals

• Conference: Mid-American
• All-Time Record: 472-449-32 (.512)
• First Season: 1924
• Head Coach: Mike Neu, 7th season (33-45)
• 2022 record: 5-7, 3-5 MAC
• 2022 Accomplishments: Defeated rival North Illinois in 2OT
• Historic Peak: Won six conference championships from 1964-to-1978, including a 9-0-1 season in 1965 and a 10-1 season in 1978; Defeated San Jose State in 2020 Arizona Bowl for first-ever bowl victory.
• Record Against Georgia: 0-0-0