Rapid Reaction: CMU 24, Ball State 21
Coming off of a 49-10 loss to Western Michigan last weekend, Central Michigan football snapped its two-game losing streak Saturday on Homecoming, defeating Ball State 24-21.
With the victory, CMU (4-2) brings its Mid-American Conference record to 1-1.
Senior quarterback Cooper Rush rebounded after being sacked eight time against Western Michigan, completing 21-of-32 passes for 269 yards and one touchdown against the Cardinals (3-3). He moved up to seventh in all-time passing yards in MAC history, with his career total now at 11,150.
How it happened
CMU took an early 3-0 lead in the first quarter after a 29-yard field goal by senior kicker Brian Eavey. The Cardinals immediately responded with a 77-yard touchdown drive to take a 7-3 lead.
Ball State held onto that lead until the beginning of the second quarter, when CMU scored on a one-yard touchdown run by junior running back Devon Spalding.
CMU extended its lead to 17-7 with seven seconds remaining in the first half on a 15-yard connection from Rush to junior receiver Corey Willis.
The Cardinals were able to decrease their deficit to three points during the second half, but were unable to get any closer.
Junior cornerback Josh Cox returned his second interception of the season for a touchdown in the fourth quarter. It was the third time CMU's defense has scored a touchdown this season.
Junior cornerback Amari Coleman had an interception in CMU's end zone with less than two minutes left in the game to stop a 51-yard BSU drive and scoring threat.
What's next
CMU travels to DeKalb, Illinois to take on Northern Illinois next Saturday. The Huskies are currently 1-4 and squared off against Western Michigan tonight in Kalamazoo.
