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Once again, Eastern Michigan (0-2) finds themselves losing a one-score game, falling to Ball State (1-1) by a final score of 38-31.
Three of the four Cardinal touchdowns were brought by the deft feet of Caleb Huntley, as he ran roughshod over the EMU defense for 204 yards on 34 carries. Even with Huntley’s herocis, EMU still had a chance to win the game, tying the game at 31 with 4:12 to go, but ultimately, Ball State grinded down the clock and sealed the game with a one-yard Huntley run.
Eastern Michigan tried a bunch lateral plays to end the game but to no avail.
Eastern Michigan’s quarterback Preston Hutchinson was serviceable going 17 for 29 for 250 yards with 1 touchdown and no interceptions, even without two of his leading receivers and his lead back.
Normally, I would be ecstatic when Eastern Michigan gains over 200 yards on the ground, and certainly, EMU performed well without lead back Darius Boone, as Samson Evans (14 carries, 63 yards), Trey Bess (seven carries, 52 yards) and Hutchinson (17 carries, 104 yards and three touchdowns) picked up the slack. However, Ball State’s Caleb Huntley nearly meet that total with 205 yards on his own. Teams that can run the ball well can dictate the game well. If Eastern Michigan doesn’t figure out a way to stop the run, they are going to be in trouble.
Drew Plitt was almost as good, going 22-for031 for 232 yards, one toucdown and an interception. He was also sacked three times. Yo’Heniz Tyler was the recipient of the receiving touchdown to go along with four receptions and 62 yards, while Antwan Davis (seven receptions, 69 yards) led Ball State in receiving and Justin Hall (seven receptions, 55 yards) were also major contributors.
With the loss, the Eagles fall to 0-2. Ball State moves up to 500 with a 1-1 record. The Eagles play their home opener against the Toledo Rockets. Ball State will host the Northern Illinois Huskies.