Central Michigan edges Ball State with last-minute touchdown, 37-34
- Central Michigan scored a last-minute touchdown to defeat Ball State 37-34 in a thrilling game.
- The match featured three lead changes in the final five minutes, showcasing intense competition.
- This victory marked Central Michigan's first win in the Mid-American Conference this season.
In a thrilling college football matchup on Saturday, Central Michigan triumphed over Ball State with a last-minute touchdown, finalizing the score at 37-34. The game was marked by a dramatic shift in momentum, particularly during the second quarter when Central Michigan surged ahead with a 23-point performance. However, Ball State responded effectively, taking the lead in the third quarter with a touchdown run from Braedon Sloan. As the game progressed into the fourth quarter, Ball State extended their lead to 27-23 with a field goal. The final five minutes saw intense back-and-forth action, beginning with a touchdown run from Bert Emanuel that briefly put Central Michigan ahead. Ball State quickly retaliated with a touchdown pass from Kadin Semonza, regaining a 34-30 lead with just under a minute left. Central Michigan, undeterred, initiated a 97-yard drive starting from their own 25-yard line. Key plays included a 50-yard run from B.J. Harris and a 34-yard pass from Joe Labas to Evan Boyd, setting the stage for the decisive touchdown pass to Chris Parker. This final play occurred with only seconds remaining, sealing the victory for the Chippewas. The game not only showcased the competitive spirit of both teams but also highlighted Central Michigan's resilience in overcoming a late-game deficit. With this win, Central Michigan improved to 2-2 overall and 1-0 in the Mid-American Conference, while Ball State fell to 1-2 and 0-1 in the conference.