CENTRAL MICHIGAN 37, BALL STATE 17
BUFFALO, NY -- A late Bulls rally forced overtime, but a Buffalo fumble in overtime proved costly when Northern Illinois's Clint Ratkovich scored a TD on the following play to give the Huskies a 33-27 win. With the victory, NIU wrapped up a MAC West title one year after failing to win any games. Buffalo dropped to 4-7 overall (2-5 MAC).
Northern Illinois out-gained the hosts 505-384, with 308 coming on the ground. Four different backs had at least 54 yards. All four Huskie TDs were rushes, with Rotkovich tallying two. Quarterback Rocky Lombardi completed 17 of 27 for 197 yards.
Buffalo registered 222 rushing yards and two touchdowns on the ground. Dylan McDuffie led the way with 29 carries for 125 yards and a score. QB matt Myers completed 16 of 23 passes for 162 yards and a touchdown. Jamari Gassett caught five balls for 52 yards.
The two teams were tied 10-10 at intermission. NIU jumped out to a 24-10 third quarter lead, only to see Buffalo come back with two of its own scores. Each team hit a field goal over the final 4:58 of regulation.
CENTRAL MICHIGAN 37, BALL STATE 17
MUNCIE, IN -- Visiting Central Michigan used a balanced off ensive attack to post a 37-17 victory over Ball State Wednesday at Scheumann Stadium.
Daniel Richardson completed 20 of 25 passes totaling 283 yards with two TDs and two interceptions. Kalil Pimpleton led receivers with seven catches for 144 yards and a TD. Lew Nichols II exploded for 219 yards and three TDs off of 32 carries. CMU produced 285 rushing yards overall.
Ball State QB Drew Plitt connected on 21 of 39 passes for 170 yards with one TD and one pick. Jayshon Jackson and Yo'Heinz tyler each had six catches, combining got 107 yards and a score. Carson Steels logged 20 carries for 93 yards and a TD.
BSU scored first on a Steele run. Central Michigan came back with two TDs and five of the next six scores for a 28-10 lead. After Tyler scored on a 6-yard reception just before the half, CMU carried a 28-17 lead to the locker room. It added 10 unanswered points ovr the final two periods.