What's Happening?
Ball State University triumphed over the University of Akron with a 42-28 victory, largely due to a pivotal 90-yard kickoff return by TJ Horton. The game, held in Muncie, Indiana, saw Ball State trailing
15-14 at halftime. However, a 69-yard run by Qua Ashley in the third quarter shifted the momentum in favor of Ball State. Kiael Kelly contributed significantly to the Cardinals' win by running for three touchdowns and passing for another. Despite Akron's Ben Finley throwing for 291 yards and three touchdowns, the Zips were unable to overcome Ball State's lead. The game was briefly delayed due to weather conditions.
Why It's Important?
This victory is significant for Ball State as it improves their standing in the Mid-American Conference to 3-4 overall and 2-1 in the conference. The win provides a morale boost and could impact their strategy and performance in upcoming games. For Akron, the loss adds to their challenges this season, now standing at 2-6 overall and 1-3 in the conference. The performance of players like Kiael Kelly and TJ Horton highlights the depth and potential within Ball State's roster, which could be crucial for their future games and overall season performance.
What's Next?
Ball State will likely focus on maintaining their momentum in upcoming games, leveraging the strengths demonstrated in this match. Akron, on the other hand, will need to reassess their strategies and address the weaknesses exposed during this game to improve their standing in the conference. Both teams will continue to compete in the Mid-American Conference, with Ball State aiming to capitalize on their recent success and Akron seeking to recover from this setback.
