This game had everything — the back-and-forth of Northern Illinois, the late comeback attempt of Central Michigan and the hot start of Akron. All of those components rolled into one, and yet, the outcome was the same.
A devastating loss.
Ball State (4-6, 1-5 MAC) raced out to a three-touchdown lead at home over Eastern Michigan (6-4, 3-3 MAC) Tuesday night, but the Eagles stole a 48-41 victory in wild fashion and earned bowl eligibility for the first time since 1995. The Cardinals now must win their final two games of the season to become bowl eligible.