Ball State Cardinals vs. Kentucky Wildcats: 2023 Week 1 Recap

Quick answer

Kentucky Wildcats defeated Ball State Cardinals 44–14 in Week 1, 2023. Final score: Ball State Cardinals 14, Kentucky Wildcats 44.

Game summary

Line score

Final score and points by quarter.

Team	Q1	Q2	Q3	Q4	Final
Ball State Cardinals	6	6	6	0	14
Kentucky Wildcats	3	12	12	6	44

Stars of the game

Top passers, rushers, and receivers from cfbfastR play-by-play.

Passing

• Kadin Semonza (Ball State) — 157.0 yds · 1 TD · +0.63 EPA/play +13.88 EPA
• Kiael Kelly (Ball State) — 22.0 yds · +2.20 EPA/play +2.20 EPA
• Devin Leary (Kentucky) — 236.0 yds · 1 TD · -0.02 EPA/play -0.58 EPA

Rushing

• Marquez Cooper (Ball State) — 33.0 yds -0.25 EPA
• Ray Davis (Kentucky) — 112.0 yds · 2 TD +0.71 EPA
• Kiael Kelly (Ball State) — 21.0 yds -0.31 EPA

Receiving

• Tanner Koziol (Ball State) — 7 rec · 57.0 yds -0.18 EPA
• Dane Key (Kentucky) — 5 rec · 96.0 yds +1.43 EPA
• Ty Robinson (Ball State) — 5 rec · 90.0 yds +2.73 EPA

Quarterback report card

Attempts, efficiency, and EPA.

Player	Team	Att	Cmp%	Yds	TD	EPA/play	Total EPA
Kadin Semonza	Ball State	22	68.2%	157	1	+0.63	+13.88
Kiael Kelly	Ball State	1	100.0%	22	0	+2.20	+2.20
Devin Leary	Kentucky	32	56.2%	236	1	-0.02	-0.58
Layne Hatcher	Ball State	10	40.0%	7	1	-1.11	-11.11

Team EPA comparison

Stat	Ball State	Kentucky
Plays	71	51
EPA / play	-0.133	+0.150
Total EPA	-9.47	+7.65
Success rate	32.4%	39.2%
Pass EPA / play	+0.151	-0.018
Rush EPA / play	-0.380	+0.433
Yards	279	357

Drive chart

Key possessions and results.

Qtr	Offense	Plays	Yards	EPA	Result
Q1	Kentucky	4	51	+0.82	Field goal
Q1	Ball State	3	9	-1.39	Punt
Q1	Kentucky	5	29	-0.56	Punt
Q1	Ball State	13	58	+4.63	Rush TD
Q1	Kentucky	11	69	+4.07	Rush TD
Q2	Ball State	7	20	-11.00	Touchdown
Q2	Ball State	3	-10	-2.46	Punt
Q2	Kentucky	7	22	-3.26	Interception
Q2	Ball State	2	3	-3.39	Fumble
Q2	Kentucky	3	2	-1.37	Field goal
Q2	Ball State	3	-1	-0.74	Punt
Q2	Kentucky	3	26	-1.21	Field goal
Q3	Ball State	9	21	-2.30	Punt
Q3	Kentucky	6	69	+4.11	Ended
Q3	Ball State	6	55	+5.53	Ended
Q3	Kentucky	1	5	+1.10	Pass TD

Biggest EPA swings

1. Q2 · Ball State Cardinals · Fumble returned for a touchdown (-8.6 EPA)
2. Q4 · Kentucky Wildcats · Ray Davis rushes 30 yards for a touchdown (+4.99 EPA)
3. Q3 · Kentucky Wildcats · Kickoff (+4.85 EPA)
4. Q3 · Ball State Cardinals · Kadin Semonza pass to Ty Robinson for 20 yards (3rd & 4) (+3.75 EPA)
5. Q4 · Ball State Cardinals · Kadin Semonza rushes for 1 yard (4th & 2) (-3.71 EPA)
6. Q3 · Ball State Cardinals · Kadin Semonza pass to Ty Robinson for 24 yards (3rd & 5) (+3.71 EPA)
7. Q3 · Ball State Cardinals · Marquez Cooper rushes for 8 yards (4th & 1) (+3.36 EPA)
8. Q1 · Kentucky Wildcats · Devin Leary pass to Dane Key for 44 yards (1st & 10) (+3.22 EPA)

Key takeaways

• Kentucky Wildcats controlled the final (44–14) in Week 1.
• Passing edge: Kadin Semonza (Ball State) — 157.0 yds, 1 TD.
• EPA edge: Kentucky at 0.15 EPA/play.
• Full EPA, scoring map, and play-by-play live in CFB Analytics Box & Scores.

Frequently asked questions

What was the final score of Ball State Cardinals vs Kentucky Wildcats?

Ball State Cardinals 14, Kentucky Wildcats 44 in Week 1 of the 2023 college football season.

Who won Ball State Cardinals vs Kentucky Wildcats?

Kentucky Wildcats won with a final score of 14–44.

Where can I find the Ball State Cardinals vs Kentucky Wildcats box score?

See EPA, scoring timeline, and full play-by-play on FantasyHQ CFB Analytics: /cfb-analytics?game=401520159.

Who led Ball State Cardinals vs Kentucky Wildcats in passing?

Kadin Semonza (Ball State) led passers with 157.0 yards and 1 touchdowns.

Full analytics box score

Explore every snap, drive chart, and the interactive scoring map for Ball State Cardinals at Kentucky Wildcats in FantasyHQ CFB Analytics Box & Scores.