MUNCIE, Ind. — An ex-Marine helped Ball State's defense scuttle the Navy.

Nate Davis passed for 326 yards and four touchdowns, but it was Brandon Crawford and the rest of the Cardinals' defense that repeatedly came up with the big plays in the second half of a 35-23 victory over the Midshipmen last night.

"It's a great feeling, but at the same time I had to let my teammates know what's expected of them," said Crawford, a 32-year-old defensive end who served four years in the Marines. "Me being the leader, I told them we were going to keep doing the things that mattered.

"I was going to keep fighting hard, and I expected the same from them."

Navy (1-1), which had 558 yards rushing last week against Towson, managed a modest 346 yards against Ball State (2-0).

Navy senior quarterback Kaipo-Noa Kaheaku-Enhada missed his second straight game with an injured left hamstring. The Kapolei High alum practiced in pads this week, but was held out as a precaution.

Senior Jarod Bryant, who played well in Navy's victory over Towson, scored both of the Midshipmen's touchdowns last night. He ran for 94 yards on 31 carries.