Ball State fights off slow start, runs through Georgia State

Ball State couldn’t catch its breath.

Four plays into the game, the offense that chose to receive the ball to start the game was running the wrong way, as Jerome Smith’s black No. 20 jersey trotted into the end zone following an interception and sent the lower level at the Georgia Dome into a frenzy.

Three plays later, Riley Neal's third down pass was tipped at the line. Picked. Jerome Smith, again.

The Cardinals couldn’t afford to fall behind 14-0 on the road.