Arkansas State scored on a fourth day 1 yard run from Sirgregory Thornton with 48 seconds remaining in the second quarter to tie Ball State 10-10 at the half in the GoDaddy Bowl.
The Red Wolves utilized a balanced offensive attack in the first half. Quarterback Adam Kennedy completed 5 of 7 passes for 35 yards. ASU running back Fredi Knighten carried the ball 7 times for 36 yards. Knighten provided the Red Wolves with an added dimension to the passing game, completing 3 of 4 passes for 15 yards.
Ball State quarterback Keith Wenning completed 7 of 15 passes for 66 yards and a touchdown in the first half. Wenning found a familiar target for that score hooking up with Cardinals leading receiver Willie Snead. Snead caught 5 balls for 50 yards. Ball State's rushing game was paced by Jahwan Edwards. Edwards tallied 92 yards on 14 carries.
Brian Davis of Arkansas Stated booted a 41 yard field goal. Ball State's Scott Secor drilled a 26 yarder.
Both teams played turnover free football in the first half.