Western Illinois secured a 31-20 victory over Charleston Southern in their Big South-Ohio Valley Conference opener, highlighted by Aidan Harrison's 38-yard pick-6 and Nathan Lamb's two touchdown passes. Lamb completed 17 of 23 passes for 197 yards, while running back Cameren Smith contributed 101 rushing yards. Meanwhile, in a thrilling game, Western Michigan overcame a fourth-quarter deficit to defeat Ball State 45-42, with Hayden Wolff throwing three touchdown passes and Jaden Nixon scoring three times on the ground. Western Michigan's defense forced key turnovers that played a pivotal role in their comeback. Ball State's Kadin Semonza threw for 307 yards and three touchdowns, but also had two interceptions, sealing their fate late in the game. This victory marks Western Michigan's successful start to Mid-American Conference play.