MUNCIE, IN -- One year after a late interception keyed a Miami win over Ball State, the RedHawks pulled off another game breaking pick to defeat the Cardinals -- this time by a 24-17 count.
With the win, MU stayed even with Kent State atop the MAC East standings. Each team owns a 3-1 conference record. Defending MAC champion Ball State, meanwhile, falls to 2-2 in league play. That leaves the Cardinals a full two games back of MAC West-leading Northern Illinois (6-2, 4-0 MAC).
This year's Redbird Rivalry Trophy matchup pitted a talented Ball State offense against Miami's No. 1 (MAC scoring) defense. Defense prevailed when Sterling Weatherford slipped in to pick off a Drew Plitt pass just inside the end zone with one minute remaining. That abruptly halted a seven-play, drive that had BSU poised to at least tie the game. Miami took over and ran out the clock.
Ironically, Ball State had a similar turnover opportunity earlier in the quarter. With the Cardinals up 17-16, Miami went on a 12-play drive that covered 91 yards. It was second-and-goal when quarterback Brett Gabbert misfired with a pass that bounced off a Ball State defender. Given new life, Gabbert hit tight end Nate Muersch for six yards and a TD on the next play. He then followed the score with a two-point toss to tight end Andrew Homer. That gave Miami, which had already missed a PAT and later misfired on a field goal, a seven-point lead that stood up thanks to Weatherford's end zone interception.
It was a tight game throughout, with the largest lead being seven points. That came early as hosting Ball State took the opening drive 75 yards in seven plays. Plitt completed six passes along the way, with the last one going to Hall for six yards and the score. Jake Chanove added the PAT.
Plitt eventually completed 22-of-34 passes, good for 227 yards and 2 TDs. His interception was one of two Cardinal turnovers. The other was a fumble that set up Miami's first score. Midway through the period, Ben Kimpler pounced on a Ball State fumble. After a Miami penalty, the RedHawks took over near midfield and scored five plays later. Running back Jalen Walker's 27-yard pass to Jack Sorenson moved Miami inside the 10 and Gabbert hit Homer for a three-yard TD three plays later.
After forcing a quick Cardinal punt, the RedHawks got on the board again - this time with three points on a 26-yard Graham Nicholson field goal.
It took 14 plays to cover 54 yards, but Ball State responded with its own field goal (29 yards) to knot the contest at 10-all.
There was 9:01 remaining, and Miami used 7:17 of that to put one more score up before intermission. Gabbert completed four-of-five passes along the way, including two to MAC Hippenhammer and a big 24-yard third down strike to Sorenson. Keyon Mozee's one-yard plunge earned six points, but the PAT went left and MU led 16-10 at the break.
It was Gabbert's first start since coming back from injury, and he completed 20-of-24 passes, totaling 207 yards with two TDs. Sorenson led Miami receivers with eight catches for 138 yards. MU totaled 234 passing yards, with another 126 on the ground.
Ball State posted the third period's only score. Plitt completed four-of-five tosses in an eight-play, 67-yard drive. The last throw was to Jayshon Jackson for four yards and a TD. The all-important PAT left BSU in front 17-16.
On the day, Jackson had eight receptions for 121 yards and the score. Yo'Heiz Tyler and Justin Hall combined for nine catches, 75 yards and a TD. Ball State got another 100 yards from its ground game, with Carson Steele contributing 49 yards on 11 carries.
It appeared Ball State would add another TD late in the third period when Jackson took a Plitt pass into the end zone. However, a penalty was called on BSU and two more Cardinal penalties quickly followed to force a punt. Miami then drove 91 yards for its winning score.