Ball State University
2-5 , 0-3
Central Michigan
4-4 , 2-2
Football Falls to Central Michigan
October 21, 2017 | Football
Cardinals home again Thursday to host Toledo
"It was tough day, and a disappointing result for Homecoming," Ball State head coach Mike Neu said. "We had a great crowd, great weather. We appreciate the fan support.
"We're a fragile football team right now. As much as I hate to admit it, we are struggling to overcome some of the injuries. It's not for lack of want-to; guys are working hard. But we're doing some things that are uncharacteristic for our football team."
Junior kicker Morgan Hagee connected on field goals of 40, 41 and 43 yards to account for all nine of the Cardinals' points. Hagee equaled his career high with the three field goals made.
Ball State (2-5, 0-3 MAC) trailed just 7-6 after Hagee's second field goal early in the second quarter. But Central Michigan outscored the Cardinals 49-3 the rest of the way.
Chippewa quarterback Shane Morris threw four touchdown passes, connecting with wide receiver Corey Willis for three of them. Jonathan Ward ran for a pair of scores for CMU (4-4, 2-2 MAC), which finished with 256 yards on the ground as a team.
Freshman running back Caleb Huntley led Ball State with 79 yards on 19 carries.
Quarterback Jack Milas connected on 18-of-30 passes for 118 yards and found 11 different receivers. He hit running back Markice Hurt, Jr., twice for 30 yards in the first quarter, as the freshman sparked the Cardinals early in his first collegiate appearance.
But Central Michigan's pass rush hurt Ball State's offensive attack, getting to the quarterback for eight sacks, including four by Joe Ostman.
"Some things happen during the course of the game that are challenging, and we struggled to overcome those," Neu said. "I encouraged every young man in that locker room; there are better days ahead. You just have to continue to fight, and you have to continue to believe."
The Cardinals had a pair of sacks, both from senior defensive end Anthony Winbush, who entered the game second nationally in sacks and ran his season total to 9.5. Winbush also forced a fumble to set up Hagee's third-quarter field goal.
Saturday marked Ball State's first home game since Sept. 16. The Cardinals will have a quick turnaround before hosting Toledo Thursday evening at 7 p.m. That game will be broadcast on ESPN3.
For the most up-to-date news on the Ball State football team, please follow @BallStateSports, @BallStateFB and @BSUCoachNeu.
Team Stats
CMU 7, BALL 0
CMU - WARD, Jonathan 16 yd run (ARMSTRONG, M. kick), 7 plays, 46 yards, TOP 3:08
CMU 7, BALL 3
BALL - HAGEE, Morgan 40 yd field goal 11 plays, 57 yards, TOP 4:57
CMU 7, BALL 6
BALL - HAGEE, Morgan 41 yd field goal 7 plays, 21 yards, TOP 3:05
CMU 14, BALL 6
CMU - CONKLIN, Tyler 34 yd pass from MORRIS, Shane (ARMSTRONG, M. kick) 6 plays, 80 yards, TOP 2:41
CMU 21, BALL 6
CMU - WILLIS, Corey 31 yd pass from MORRIS, Shane (ARMSTRONG, M. kick) 7 plays, 63 yards, TOP 2:34
CMU 28, BALL 6
CMU - WARD, Jonathan 3 yd run (ARMSTRONG, M. kick), 2 plays, 12 yards, TOP 0:10
CMU 28, BALL 9
BALL - HAGEE, Morgan 43 yd field goal 6 plays, 4 yards, TOP 2:58
CMU 35, BALL 9
CMU - WILLIS, Corey 63 yd pass from MORRIS, Shane (ARMSTRONG, M. kick) 3 plays, 62 yards, TOP 0:45
CMU 42, BALL 9
CMU - WILLIS, Corey 4 yd pass from MORRIS, Shane (ARMSTRONG, M. kick) 8 plays, 84 yards, TOP 3:46
CMU 49, BALL 9
CMU - McCOY, Alonzo 27 yd fumble recovery (ARMSTRONG, M. kick)
CMU 56, BALL 9
CMU - GWILLY, K. 33 yd run (ARMSTRONG, M. kick), 11 plays, 79 yards, TOP 5:12
