Alabama's Smith, Ohio State's Fields lead all-bowl team startribune.com - get the latest breaking news, showbiz & celebrity photos, sport news & rumours, viral videos and top stories from startribune.com Daily Mail and Mail on Sunday newspapers.
Dec 31, 2020
TUCSON, Ariz. (AP) Tears were shed when Ball State coach Mike Neu told his players this summer that the season had been canceled due to the coronavirus pandemic.
When the Mid-American Conference changed course and decided to start a truncated season in November, the Cardinals were given a second chance. They turned it into the program’s first bowl win in 10 tries.
Antonio Phillips returned an early interception 53 yards for a touchdown, Drew Plitt accounted for two scores and Ball State beat short-handed No. 19 San Jose State 34-13 in the Arizona Bowl on Thursday.
“We knew were granted an opportunity to do something special here,” Ball State safety Bryce Cosby said. “That says a lot about these guys. I can’t even fathom the amount of sacrifice with COVID and everything. We had to do everything a little different and I’m just proud of these guys.”
Ball State running back Will Jones shakes free of a tackle Saturday at Muncie against Western Michigan.
Ball State Creative Services
Ball State Creative Services
The Cardinals Justin Hall, left, who became the program s all-time receptions leader, fights off a tackle attempt from Western Michigan s Harrison Taylor on Saturday in Muncie.
Ball State Creative Services
Quarterback Drew Plitt attempts a pass Saturday in Muncie for Ball State against Western Michigan. Previous Next
Saturday, December 12, 2020 5:10 pm
Cardinals rally, clinch berth in MAC Championship Game
JUSTIN A. COHN | The Journal Gazette
MUNCIE – This isn’t the same old Ball State football team.