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Game Recap
The Ball State Cardinals fell to the Akron Zips 31-3 when the teams previously met four seasons ago; this time around, they exacted some revenge. Ball State managed a 31-25 win over Akron this past Tuesday.
The contest started off well for the Cardinals, whose offense put up 21 first-half points. Akron countered with 10 points. Ball State was outperformed in the second half 15-10 but had enough points saved up to walk away with the win.
Ball State relied on the efforts of QB Drew Plitt, who passed for three TDs and 185 yards on 31 attempts in addition to picking up 45 yards on the ground, and RB Carson Steele, who picked up 154 yards on the ground on 27 carries in addition to snatching one receiving TD. WR Justin Hall also deserves a shout-out for his two TDs.
Despite the loss, the Zips had strong showings from WR Michael Mathison, who caught eight passes for one TD and 154 yards, and RB Jonzell Norrils, who punched in one rushing touchdown. Near the top of the highlight reel was Zach Gibson's 57-yard TD bomb to Mathison in the fourth quarter.
The Cardinals' victory brought them up to 5-4. The defeat dropped Akron's record to 2-7.
Ball State is on the road again next week and plays against the Northern Illinois Huskies at 1 p.m. ET Nov. 10 at Brigham Field at Huskie Stadium. As for the Zips, they will face off against the Western Michigan Broncos at noon ET on Tuesday at Waldo Stadium.
