Photo by: Ball State Athletics
Explosive Plays Highlight Virtual Spring Football Game
April 18, 2020 | Football
Simulated Game Puts Up Big Yards and Big Stops
MUNCIE, Ind. – Caleb Huntley led Ball State's offense with 224 rushing yards and the defense shined bright with four interceptions and nine sacks as all parties got in on the action during the football team's 2020 virtual simulation spring game.
Ball State was split into Cardinal and White rosters with Cardinal pulling away in the second half for a 45-27 victory.
Last season's Mid-American Conference leader in touchdown passes, quarterback Drew Plitt, picked up right where he left off in 2019. The rising senior tossed six touchdowns, throwing for 390 yards while playing mostly for the Cardinal squad. Sophomore signal caller John Paddock was under center for the White team, throwing for 337 yards.
The Cardinal unit struck almost immediately, scoring on the fourth play from scrimmage with a 55-yard pass from Plitt to returning All-MAC receiver Justin Hall. The score was the first of three for Hall Saturday afternoon.
The first quarter was a staunch defensive struggle after that, however. Under the direction of new coordinator Tyler Stockton, the defense ended the next two drives on interceptions by seniors Bryce Cosby and Antonio Phillips, the latter of which coming in the endzone.
With Cardinal leading 21-3 and only two minutes left before halftime, the White squad made a splash with the game's most explosive play. Paddock found wide out Trevor Hohlt on an out-route and the junior broke free for a 77-yard touchdown, drawing the game to a 21-10 score.
Paddock orchestrated another scoring drive to begin the third quarter to bring the White squad to within four points, 21-17. Paddock completed three straight passes to redshirt freshman Jalen McGaughy and senior Antwan Davis during that scoring drive.
Huntley helped wrestle firm and ultimate control to the Cardinal team late in the third quarter, scoring from 24 yards out on 4th-and-inches. Junior wide receiver Yo'Heinz Tyler then found the endzone following an Amechi Uzodinma II interception for a commanding 45-20 lead.
The exclamation point came when Huntley gallivanted 70 yards for his second touchdown, this time for the White squad, in the game's final minutes.
Ball State's defense was led by Kyron Mims' 11 tackles. Fellow defensive lineman Emeka Jillani had an outstanding performance as well as he piled up five tackles for loss. Christian Albright and Nic Jones recorded a pair of sacks each while linebacker Brandon Martin picked up an interception.
Kicking was an interesting battle heading into spring practice after the graduation of Ryan Rimmler. Freshman Jack Knight and junior Jake Chanove both kicked in today's game, hitting from 44 and 39 yards respectively.
The 2020 Ball State football spring game was played virtually on NCAA 2005 with rosters consisting of players on the 2020 spring depth chart or who recorded a statistic during the 2019 season.
Ball State is scheduled to open the fall season on Thursday, Sept. 3 against the Maine Black Bears at Scheumann Stadium.
Ball State was split into Cardinal and White rosters with Cardinal pulling away in the second half for a 45-27 victory.
Last season's Mid-American Conference leader in touchdown passes, quarterback Drew Plitt, picked up right where he left off in 2019. The rising senior tossed six touchdowns, throwing for 390 yards while playing mostly for the Cardinal squad. Sophomore signal caller John Paddock was under center for the White team, throwing for 337 yards.
The Cardinal unit struck almost immediately, scoring on the fourth play from scrimmage with a 55-yard pass from Plitt to returning All-MAC receiver Justin Hall. The score was the first of three for Hall Saturday afternoon.
The first quarter was a staunch defensive struggle after that, however. Under the direction of new coordinator Tyler Stockton, the defense ended the next two drives on interceptions by seniors Bryce Cosby and Antonio Phillips, the latter of which coming in the endzone.
With Cardinal leading 21-3 and only two minutes left before halftime, the White squad made a splash with the game's most explosive play. Paddock found wide out Trevor Hohlt on an out-route and the junior broke free for a 77-yard touchdown, drawing the game to a 21-10 score.
Paddock orchestrated another scoring drive to begin the third quarter to bring the White squad to within four points, 21-17. Paddock completed three straight passes to redshirt freshman Jalen McGaughy and senior Antwan Davis during that scoring drive.
Huntley helped wrestle firm and ultimate control to the Cardinal team late in the third quarter, scoring from 24 yards out on 4th-and-inches. Junior wide receiver Yo'Heinz Tyler then found the endzone following an Amechi Uzodinma II interception for a commanding 45-20 lead.
The exclamation point came when Huntley gallivanted 70 yards for his second touchdown, this time for the White squad, in the game's final minutes.
Ball State's defense was led by Kyron Mims' 11 tackles. Fellow defensive lineman Emeka Jillani had an outstanding performance as well as he piled up five tackles for loss. Christian Albright and Nic Jones recorded a pair of sacks each while linebacker Brandon Martin picked up an interception.
Kicking was an interesting battle heading into spring practice after the graduation of Ryan Rimmler. Freshman Jack Knight and junior Jake Chanove both kicked in today's game, hitting from 44 and 39 yards respectively.
The 2020 Ball State football spring game was played virtually on NCAA 2005 with rosters consisting of players on the 2020 spring depth chart or who recorded a statistic during the 2019 season.
Ball State is scheduled to open the fall season on Thursday, Sept. 3 against the Maine Black Bears at Scheumann Stadium.
Players Mentioned
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