Plitt throws for 3 TDs, Ball State holds off Akron 31-25
AKRON, Ohio -- — Drew Plitt threw for three touchdowns, Justin Hall had a receiving and rushing touchdown, and Ball State held off Akron 31-25 on Tuesday night.
Ball State led 28-10 before Akron rallied with two touchdowns in the opening five minutes of the fourth quarter. After the Cardinals were held to a short field goal for a six-point lead, Akron went down the field but Zach Gibson fumbled it near the goal line and Bryce Cosby recovered it with 1:32 remaining.
Plitt was 18 of 31 for 185 yards for Ball State (5-4, 3-2 Mid-American Conference). Hall made eight catches for 73 yards, and carried it four times for 30 yards.
Hall, a fifth-year wide receiver averaging 137.0 all-purpose yards per game, broke free along the right side for a 25-yard touchdown run to open the scoring in the first quarter. Hall added a 13-yard touchdown when he caught a short pass and broke two tackles near the goal line.
It was Hall's fourth rushing touchdown of the season and fifth receiving TD — to go along with a kickoff return for a score.
Jonzell Norrils rushed for 88 yards and a touchdown for Akron (2-7, 1-1). Michael Mathison caught eight passes for 154 yards, including a 57-yard score.
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Game Information
2023 Mid-American Conference Standings
| Team | CONF | OVR |
|---|---|---|
| Miami (OH) | 7-1 | 11-3 |
| Ohio | 6-2 | 10-3 |
| Bowling Green | 5-3 | 7-6 |
| Buffalo | 3-5 | 3-9 |
| Akron | 1-7 | 2-10 |
| Kent State | 0-8 | 1-11 |
| Team | CONF | OVR |
|---|---|---|
| Toledo | 8-0 | 11-3 |
| Northern Illinois | 5-3 | 7-6 |
| Eastern Michigan | 4-4 | 6-7 |
| Western Michigan | 3-5 | 4-8 |
| Ball State | 3-5 | 4-8 |
| Central Michigan | 3-5 | 5-7 |
NCAAF News