Ball State and Central Michigan were averaging a combined 60.5 points per game coming into Saturday's game at Kelly/Shorts Stadium.

But windy conditions affected both offenses as the teams scored just 25 total points.

CMU managed enough offense and got a key fourth down stop in the fourth quarter to win 18-7 and improve to 4-3 overall and 4-0 in the Mid-American Conference.

"Even though we didn't play to the level (we wanted) on offense, we played great on defense," said coach Brian Kelly.

The biggest stop for the defense came early in the fourth quarter with CMU leading 18-7.

Ball State drove the length of the field and had a first down and goal from the 4-yard line. Three running plays and a penalty put the ball at the 1-yard line for BSU to set up fourth down.

BSU fullback Brad Salyer was stopped on a run up the middle by junior linebacker Red Keith and sophomore defensive tackle Ronnie Ekdahl, and the Cardinals turned the ball over on downs.

Ball State challenged the call, but the ruling on the field stood.

"The kid swears he was in, and I believe him," said BSU coach Brady Hoke.

Junior defensive tackle Steven Friend, who was in the middle of the play, felt otherwise.

"I knew right off the bat it was no good," he said.

CMU's offense scored three touchdowns, all via the running game. Freshman quarterback Dan LeFevour scored on runs of 15 and three yards, and freshman tailback Marcel Archer scored on a 1-yard run.

LeFevour's first touchdown marked the first time this season that CMU has scored a touchdown in the first quarter.

"We realize we have to play better as a unit," LeFevour said. "But that is why it's a team game. The defense played well and it was a team victory; that's all that matters."

The defense and special teams forced four turnovers, two by interception and two fumble recoveries.

Ball State cut the lead to 12-7 with two minutes remaining in the third quarter, but the momentum quickly shifted back to CMU.

Freshman Josh Gordy's fumble recovery after B.J. Hill fumbled a punt at the 7-yard line with 13:34 remaining in the game set up CMU's third touchdown.

"You put yourself into the position (to win) and then you throw interceptions and don't run the football and you get dumb penalties," Hoke said. "You can't win that way. We aren't talented enough to do that."

Ball State scored its lone touchdown in the third quarter on a 1-yard run by Salyer.

Sophomore kicker Rick Albreski's struggles continued as he missed a 29-yard field goal attempt in the second quarter and missed a point after try in the fourth quarter.

He has missed his last four kicks.

Check cm-life.com on Monday for full football coverage.

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