Check chherald.com for a photo slideshow from the game.

Despite gaining 352 yards of total offense, Western was only able to find the end zone once as the Toppers fell to Ball State 24-7.

“It just comes down to us making more plays than the other team,” senior quarterback David Wolke said. “All night tonight it was there. We’re so close. This one hurts. We’re all sick to our stomach. Every one of us really wanted to win.”

Coach David Elson said that the game was all about opportunities.

The Topper’s first drive looked promising, going nearly 80 yards on 12 plays. However, sophomore running back Dexter Taylor’s fumble at the one-yard line was recovered by Ball State in the end zone, giving the Cardinals a touchback.

The rest of Western’s first half drives fizzled as well, ending in a missed field goal, a fumble, a turnover on downs and the end of the half.

“It was your classic case of missed opportunities,” Elson said. “I think we showed we can move the ball. We have to find out a way to capitalize on the opportunities. It’s a tough game, we’re playing some awfully good people, and there’s some good things going. There’s just not enough.”

Despite the missed first-half opportunities, they still ended the half only down 7-0. Ball State’s only points came when quarterback Nate Davis found wide receiver Briggs Orsbon in the end zone in the second quarter.

The score remained this way until eight minutes left in the third quarter, when the Cardinals scored again.

The Toppers were on the verge of being shut out for the first time this season, but Wolke connected with junior wide receiver Jake Gaebler for a 20-yard touchdown pass to score Western’s only points with less than two minutes left in the game.

Gaebler had a resurgence in this game. After sitting out two games with a back injury and seeing limited action in last weeks game against Virginia Tech, Gaebler caught 10 passes for 100 yards and a touchdown.

“It was good to get back and be able to contribute to the offense,” Gaebler said. “But right now I’m more worried about wins and losses than anything. We just have to find a way to get a W.”

Wolke finished 17-for-29 with 161 yards for a touchdown and an interception.

Western moves to 2-5 on the season, and continue its home stand with a match-up against Florida Atlantic on Saturday.

Check chherald.com for a photo slideshow from the game.