Northwestern 24, Ball State 19

Northwestern quarterback Clayton Thorson runs with the ball during the first half.

Northwestern cornerback Matthew Harris causes Ball State wide receiver Jordan Williams to drop the ball after a catch during the second half.

Northwestern players dance on the sidelines during the game.

Northwestern linebacker Nate Hall watches Ball State’s Kyle Schmidt kick during the second half.

Northwestern Wildcats place-kicker Jack Mitchell kicks an unsuccessful field goal during the second half.

Northwestern running back Solomon Vault tries to leap over Ball State cornerback Tyree Holder during the second half.

Northwestern wide receiver Christian Salem gestures before the game.

Northwestern defensive lineman Deonte Gibson unsuccessfully attempts to block Ball State quarterback Riley Neal during the first half.

Northwestern linebacker Nate Hall warms up before the game.

Northwestern quarterback Clayton Thorson is taken down by Ball State linebacker Ben Ingle (19) and cornerback Darius Conaway, bottom, during the first half.

Northwestern safety Traveon Henry, left, takes down Ball State running back Darian Green during the first half.

Northwestern safety Kyle Queiro, left, and defensive lineman Xavier Washington take down Ball State quarterback Riley Neal during the first half.

Northwestern fullback Dan Vitale, holding the football, celebrates his touchdown with teammates during the first half.

Northwestern quarterback Clayton Thorson throws a pass during the first half.

Northwestern wide receiver Austin Carr, center, is congratulated by wide receiver Flynn Nage, left, after he scored a touchdown during the second half.

Northwestern fullback Dan Vitale runs into the end zone to score a touchdown during the first half.