Ball State University
2-3 , 0-1
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Western Michigan
3-2 , 1-0
Defending MAC Champ Western Michigan Downs Ball State, 55-3
September 30, 2017 | Football
"All three phases of the game we did not play Ball State Cardinal football," Ball State head coach Mike Neu said. "It's hard to swallow but yet at the same time we have to leave this loss right here in Kalamazoo. We have to get ourselves back on the bus for Muncie, put it behind us and move forward full speed ahead. We have to stay together as a football team."
The Cardinals (2-3, 0-1 MAC) received the game's opening kickoff, but freshman Justin Hall fumbled at the 18-yard line. The ball popped high in the air and landed in the lap of Western Michigan's (3-2, 1-0) Obbie Jackson. Jackson proceeded to scamper untouched into the end zone to give the defending Mid-American Conference champions a 7-0 lead 10 seconds into the league opener for both teams.
That touchdown was the first of four in the opening half as the Broncos raced to a 31-0 lead at intermission. After Western Michigan took its opening offensive drive 89 yards for a touchdown to make the score 14-0, the Cardinals responded with their best drive of the half. Senior quarterback Jack Milas completed two big pass plays to sophomore Riley Miller and Hall to move the ball to the Western 15-yard line. However, the drive stalled and Ball State missed a 32-yard field goal.
On Western Michigan's ensuing drive, freshman safety Bryce Cosby was in perfect position for an interception at midfield. Unfortunately, Cosby couldn't hold onto the pass that had the potential for a return for a touchdown.
Ball State had a prime scoring chance on its first drive of the third quarter. Milas found Hall behind the defense for 37 yards down to the one-yard line. Sophomore running back Malik Dunner rumbled into the end zone on fourth down, but a holding call negated the score and the Cardinals had to settle for a field goal.
Later in the third quarter, Milas appeared to connect with freshman Hassan Littles for a big gainer inside the Western Michigan five-yard line. This time the ball bounced off Littles as he hit the ground and right into the hands of WMU's Malik Rucker who returned the interception 87 yards to set up another Broncos score.
Western Michigan quarterback John Wassink threw for a personal-high 240 yards and for the second straight week notched three touchdown passes. The Broncos defense held Ball State to a season-low 63 yards rushing and forced two turnovers.
One bright spot for the Cardinals was the play of Hall at wide receiver. He finished with team season highs in both receptions (13) and receiving yards (121).
Ball State concludes its three-game road swing next Saturday, Oct. 7 at Akron. The game will be televised on ESPN3 beginning at 3:30 p.m.
For the most up-to-date news on the Ball State football team, please follow @BallStateSports, @BallStateFB and @BSUCoachNeu.
Team Stats
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BALL 0, WMU 7
WMU - JACKSON, Obbie 21 yd fumble recovery (GRANT, Josh kick)
BALL 0, WMU 14
WMU - WATSON, Keishaw 12 yd pass from WASSINK, Jon (GRANT, Josh kick) 13 plays, 89 yards, TOP 4:32
BALL 0, WMU 21
WMU - BELLAMY, LeVant 7 yd run (GRANT, Josh kick), 5 plays, 41 yards, TOP 1:33
BALL 0, WMU 28
WMU - FRANKLIN, Jarvi 1 yd run (GRANT, Josh kick), 8 plays, 41 yards, TOP 3:16
BALL 0, WMU 31
WMU - GRANT, Josh 43 yd field goal 7 plays, 46 yards, TOP 1:23
BALL 0, WMU 38
WMU - ERNSBERGER, Don 22 yd pass from WASSINK, Jon (GRANT, Josh kick) 2 plays, 34 yards, TOP 0:28
BALL 3, WMU 38
BALL - HAGEE, Morgan 28 yd field goal 12 plays, 58 yards, TOP 4:14
BALL 3, WMU 45
WMU - WATSON, Keishaw 52 yd pass from WASSINK, Jon (GRANT, Josh kick) 4 plays, 64 yards, TOP 1:50
BALL 3, WMU 48
WMU - GRANT, Josh 33 yd field goal 4 plays, 9 yards, TOP 1:54
BALL 3, WMU 55
WMU - TUCKER, Davon 11 yd run (GRANT, Josh kick), 2 plays, 12 yards, TOP 0:50
