Ball State is giving Iowa all it can handle in Iowa City.
The Cardinals utilized a 35 yard fumble return for a touchdown from Blake Dueitt to build a 7-3 halftime lead on the road at Kinnick Stadium.
The Ball State offense, while not spectacular, has played turnover free football. Through one half, the Cardinals have amassed 48 yards through the air on 6 of 14 passing from quarterback Ozzie Mann, and 45 yards rushing.
The defense has been especially stingy against the Iowa running attack. The Hawkeyes have managed just 24 yards on the ground. Quarterback Jake Rudock has completed 17 of 25 passes for 184 yards.
All-American left tackle Brandon Scherff left the game with a right knee injury in the first half. He later returned.
Hawkeyes kicker Marshall Koehn has connected on just 1 of 3 field goals. Koehn hit from 26 yards, and missed from 35 and 37 yards.