MUNCIE, Ind. — Ohio didn’t surprise Ball State.
The Cardinals knew the Bobcats would run the ball. They knew the Bobcats would put it in quarterback Nathan Rourke’s hands and that, while Ohio has skilled running backs at its disposal, Rourke would be the focal point of Ohio’s plans as it attempted to control the pace of the game.
Ball State just couldn’t stop Ohio.
Cardinals head coach Mike Neu gave Rourke credit for operating that offense as well as Rourke did, to the point Ohio finished with 39:52 clocked in for time of possession to Ball State’s 20:08.