For Ball State, the passing game centered on quarterback Keith Wenning connecting with wide receiver Willie Snead.
In tandem with the rushing attack fueled by a strong offensive line, one writer asserted that they would enjoy "easy pickings" against a mediocre Arkansas State defense.
Ball State jumped out to an early lead via a Wenning to Snead touchdown, and led at the end of the first quarter 7–0.
However, Ball State scored via a field goal early in the quarter, and a touchdown with less than two minutes to play to retake the lead.
The Cardinals continued their recent winning ways in 2013, finishing the season with a 7–1 conference and 10–2 overall record, good for second place in the MAC's West Division.
After losing to the Western Kentucky Hilltoppers for the team's fifth loss of the season (and second in-conference), bowl director Jerry Silverstein extended an invitation to play in the game.
[7] Red Wolves defensive coordinator John Thompson was named as interim head coach for the bowl game.
[14] Underclassmen Horactio Banks, who was out for the bowl game due to a knee injury,[17] and Teddy Williamson rushed for 595 and 213 yards respectively.
[19] After losing four of its five starters entering the season, Ball State's offensive line entered the year with right guard Jordan Hansel its only returnee;[20] Hansel won first team All-MAC honors and center Jacob Richard achieved third team All-MAC honors.
[22] They finished in the middle of the pack in both the NCAA and the conference in defensive statistical categories relating to yardage and points allowed.
[30] Their offense was led by dual-threat quarterback Adam Kennedy, a transfer from Utah State who was in his first year as a Red Wolf.
[33][34] Also leading the running game were seniors David Oku (a transfer from Tennessee)[35] and Sirgregory Thornton, who contributed 511 and 340 yards respectively.
[38] The Wolves' offensive line struggled to protect the quarterback despite returning the majority of the unit from the 2012 season, but did manage to open holes for the running game.
[42] Senior Nathan Ollie was also a leader of the line, earning second team All-MAC accolades,[16] and totaling 67 tackles, 9 TFL, and 3 sacks on the season.
At the end of the quarter, the Red Wolves had just concluded a drive, that had crossed into Ball State's territory before a punt that was downed inside the 5-yard line.
[44] The victim of poor field position, Ball State executed only three plays, the last of which was a sack that pinned them at their own 1-yard line.
On their ensuing drive, Ball State executed another extended drive, this one lasting 13 plays and totaling 67 yards (highlighted by another 20+ yard rush by Edwards); it failed to reach the end zone, but all was not lost, as Scott Secor made a 26-yard field goal to put the Cardinals up by seven points.
[45] Arkansas State got the ball to start the second half, and promptly drove down the field relying predominantly on Knighten, who threw six passes and attempted three rushes; ultimately, their drive stalled at the 2-yard line, and Davis kicked an 18-yard field goal to put the Red Wolves atop 13–10.
Arkansas State efficiently responded, scoring on a 13-yard pass from Knighten to Allen Muse, a 6 feet 4 inches (1.93 m), 225 pounds (102 kg) senior wide receiver.
The touchdown gave Arkansas State a 23–20 lead that they would not relinquish – Secor attempted a 38-yard field goal as time expired to try to tie the game, however the kick was blocked, and the Red Wolves held on to win.
ESPN broadcast the game on television, with Carter Blackburn handling play-by-play, Danny Kanell facilitating analysis, and Allison Williams reporting from the sidelines.