Live Football Blog: Ball State 22, WMU 17, Final

By Mark Rudi
Sports Editor

Final

The Broncos had a lead, 17-16, with 14:54 left in the game after Tim Hiller threw his 99th career touchdown pass, but Ball State would put together a seven play, 33 yard drive in 4:28, which was capped off by a Charlie Todd punt return for a touchdown, putting Ball State up 22-17.

Western Michigan had one last shot as it got the ball back with 1:03 left in the game and Hiller found receiver Chleb Ravenell twice, one for 34 and 13 yards to bring the Broncos to the Ball State 40 yard line. But three consecutive incomplete passes and then Hiller’s last pass of his WMU career was intercepted by Sean Baker, giving Ball State the 22-17 victory, only it’s second of the season. Western Michigan finishes the season 5-7 and 4-4 in the Mid-American Conference.

Hiller’s 99 career passes leaves him one shy of tying Chad Pennington for first place on the MAC career touchdowns list. Ravenell’s 106 yards receiving is a new career high.

End of 3rd Quarter

The only scoring in the third quarter was a 48 yard field goal by Ball State kicker Ian MacGarvey, which tied his career long.

Tim Hiller has been pressured all night currently has three interceptions on the night. I’ll have more after the game.

Halftime

Western Michigan got on the board in the second quarter. John Potter kicked a 29 yard field goal with 4:33 left in the second quarter and then WMU would score again late in the second with a 1-yard touchdown run from Brandon West. The touchdown was West’s 10th of the season and 25th of his career.

Tim Hiller is currently 18-for-31 for 165 yards with one interception and  no touchdowns.  The Broncos have 209 total of offense (165 passing, 44 rushing), while BSU has 161 (66 passing, 95 rushing). West has currently 38 yards or rushing on nine carriers and a touchdown.

End of First Quarter

Ball State got two field goals from kicker Ian MacGarvey. His first was from 31 and his second from 45. The Broncos only had 70 yards of offense, while the Cardinals had 177. Hiller is 6-for-13 with 61 yards passing and an interception. I’ll have more at the half.

Good evening everyone and welcome to the Western Herald’s live football blog from Waldo Stadium as tonight we have Ball State University vs. Western Michigan University. It’s the last regular season game of the year and senior night for the Broncos as two key seniors: quarterback Tim Hiller and Brandon West will play their final games as Broncos.

The Cardinals come into tonight’s game 1-10 and 1-6 inside the Mid-American Conference. Ball State’s only win was a 29-27 victory over Eastern Michigan University on Oct. 24 in Ypsilanti. This is also the Cardinals’ final game of the season.

With a win tonight, the Broncos will improve to 6-6 and become bowl eligible, but a bowl game for WMU is not likely.

Hiller also comes into tonight only two behind Chad Pennington for first place on the MAC all-time career touchdowns list as Hiller currently has 98 career touchdowns.

As of right now, it’s a half hour before kickoff and Waldo Stadium is know of empty. Just looking up West Michigan Ave. and there doesn’t seem to be a lot of students coming down for the game. I guess they all took Thanksgiving Break early. Anyways, if you for some reason you cannot get down to Waldo, this game is live on ESPN2, ESPN360.com, or you can just follow my blog during the game. I’ll have more after the first quarter.

Around the MAC

Temple vs. Ohio, Friday 11:00 a.m., ESPNU

Northern Illinois vs Central Michigan, Friday, 1:00 p.m. ESPN 360

Toledo vs. Bowling Green, Friday, 2:00 p.m.

Eastern Michigan vs. Akron, Friday 2:00 p.m.

Buffalo vs. Kent State, Friday, 2:00 p.m.

Short URL: http://www.westernherald.com/?p=12506

Posted by heraldstaff on Nov 24 2009. Filed under Sports. You can follow any responses to this entry through the RSS 2.0. You can leave a response or trackback to this entry

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