• WBST 92.1 FMMuncie
  • WBSB 89.5 FMAnderson
  • WBSW 90.9 FMMarion
  • WBSH 91.1 FMHagerstown / New Castle
Indiana Public Radio, a listener-supported service of Ball State University
Listen Live Online. Tap to open audio stream.

Ball State Beats WMU in Overtime, 42 to 41

By Stan Sollars, IPR News | Published on in Sports

In sports … last night Ball State beat Western Michigan 42 to 41 in overtime, in a nationally televised barnburner on ESPN-2.  Some say it was the best effort shown by the Cardinals since the Notre Dame game.

Ball State backup quarterback Drew Plitt had another impressive performance, throwing for 258 yards and three touchdowns with just five incompletions, and two picks.

The victory came down to special teams play.

The game was tied at 35 at the end of regulation. The Cards scored first in overtime on a two-yard touchdown pass from Plitt to Kyle Schrank to go ahead, 42 to 35.  Western countered with a touchdown to make the score 42-to-41, but missed a two-point conversion for the win, when the Cardinals’ defense stuffed Western’s LaVante Bellamy short of the goal line.

Kicking was also a highlight for Ball State. Morgan Hagee made six extra points – including the game winner – to break The Cards’ program record of 122 points by Ian McGarvey in 2010.

Ball State is 4-and-7 overall, and 3-and-4 in the MAC. The Cards finish their 2018 campaign next Tuesday night at Miami.  Kickoff is at 7 p.m. on ESPN-Plus.