Ball State University
2-9 , 0-7
Buffalo
5-6 , 3-4
Buffalo Goes to the Air for a 40-24 Win at Ball State
November 16, 2017 | Football
MUNCIE, Ind. – The Ball State football team fell to Buffalo Thursday night at Scheumann Stadium, 40-24.
Freshman running back Caleb Huntley rushed for a career-high 141 yards and wide receiver Justin Hall tallied 102 receiving yards, his second 100-yard receiving game of the season. Defensively, Anthony Winbush tied the school's all-time sack record with 25 career sacks. Winbush is currently tied with defensive line coach Keith McKenzie, who set the original mark back in 1995.
"I'm proud of the way our guys battled," Ball State head coach Mike Neu said. "We did some good things. Unfortunately it really came down to the fourth down play [in the middle of the fourth quarter.] If we are able to convert that and get a first down there, sustain that drive and put some points on the board, maybe it's a different outcome."
Buffalo (5-6 3-4 MAC) led from start to finish, but Ball State (2-9, 0-7) threatened to make it a one-possession game in the middle of the fourth quarter. The Cardinals started the final frame with a 47-yard touchdown pass from senior Jack Milas to Hall to cut the deficit to 37-24.
Winbush's sack on Buffalo's next possession forced a quick three-and-out from the Bulls. Ball State went to work and moved the ball to the Buffalo 32-yard line. Facing a 4th-and-1, Ball State tried a run up the middle, but the Bulls stuffed the play and took over on downs. Buffalo then put the game away with a drive that lasted more than six minutes and resulted in a field goal to make the score, 40-24.
Buffalo quarterback Tyree Jackson threw for 350 yards and four touchdowns. All four touchdown passes were completed to Anthony Johnson. Johnson finished the day with 153 receiving yards.
Buffalo opened the game by scoring on four of its first five drives to build a 23-3 lead.
Milas connected with redshirt freshman tight end Nolan Givan for an 11-yard score right before halftime to help the Cardinals pull within 23-10 at the break.
Ball State will wrap up its season when the Cardinals welcome Miami (Ohio) to Muncie on Tuesday, Nov. 21. The senior class will be honored before the game, which is slated to begin at 7 p.m.
For the most up-to-date news on the Ball State football team, please follow @BallStateSports, @BallStateFB and @BSUCoachNeu.
Team Stats
UB 3, BALL 0
UB - MITCHESON, Adam 33 yd field goal 13 plays, 58 yards, TOP 5:02
UB 10, BALL 0
UB - JOHNSON, Anthon 21 yd pass from JACKSON, Tyree (MITCHESON, Adam kick) 6 plays, 74 yards, TOP 1:46
UB 16, BALL 0
UB - JOHNSON, Anthon 14 yd pass from JACKSON, Tyree (MITCHESON, Adam kickfailed) 6 plays, 61 yards, TOP 2:05
UB 16, BALL 3
BALL - HAGEE, Morgan 21 yd field goal 14 plays, 71 yards, TOP 6:44
UB 23, BALL 3
UB - JOHNSON, Anthon 11 yd pass from JACKSON, Tyree (MITCHESON, Adam kick) 4 plays, 60 yards, TOP 2:04
UB 23, BALL 10
BALL - GIVAN, Nolan 11 yd pass from MILAS, Jack (HAGEE, Morgan kick) 5 plays, 29 yards, TOP 0:40
UB 30, BALL 10
UB - OSBORN, KJ 16 yd run (MITCHESON, Adam kick), 4 plays, 70 yards, TOP 1:36
UB 30, BALL 17
BALL - DUNNER, Malik 50 yd run (HAGEE, Morgan kick), 5 plays, 75 yards, TOP 2:19
UB 37, BALL 17
UB - JOHNSON, Anthon 56 yd pass from JACKSON, Tyree (MITCHESON, Adam kick) 4 plays, 75 yards, TOP 1:08
UB 37, BALL 24
BALL - HALL, Justin 47 yd pass from MILAS, Jack (HAGEE, Morgan kick) 6 plays, 75 yards, TOP 2:50
UB 40, BALL 24
UB - MITCHESON, Adam 21 yd field goal 11 plays, 64 yards, TOP 6:30
