In college football’s second Christmas Day game since 2021, Ball State couldn’t open the gift it desired. After winning its first bowl game in school history last December, the Cardinals couldn’t complete the follow-up act in the TaxAct Camellia Bowl.
Georgia State routed Ball State in the second half to secure a 51-20 victory in Montgomery, AL. The Panthers utilized a pair of defensive touchdowns and phenomenal two-way play by dual threat quarterback Darren Grainger to lock up their their second consecutive bowl trophy and third in program history. Grainger claimed MVP honors behind a season-high 122 rushing yards and 203 passing yards on an accurate 15-of-19 showing.