AKRON, Ohio — Ball State escaped Akron with a victory.
Ball State (5-4, 3-2 MAC), led Akron 28-10 midway through the third quarter, but the Cardinals' offense slowed down. Akron (2-7, 1-4 MAC), meanwhile, scored 15 straight points before Ball State responded with a 31-yard field goal from Jake Chanove.
On the ensuing drive, Akron marched 54 yards downfield on what would've been the game-tying touchdown, but quarterback Zach Gibson fumbled the ball at the 1-yard line and Ball State safety Bryce Cosby scooped it for the touchback.
A couple of Carson Steele runs and Drew Plitt kneel downs later, Ball State walked off the field with a 31-25 victory on the first night of midweek Mid-American Conference play.