AKRON, OH. -- Halfback Horacti Banks shown up big time, and Ball State needed him to, as they edge out Akron.

Banks found the end-zone three times, all from plays of at least 20 yards. His first touchdown being a 81
yard touchdown off a screen to open up the third quarter. Towards end of the third, he would break off a
37 yard and finally got into the end-zone from 20 yards as well.

"Banks came up big for us, if it wasn't for him, we might have not won." Said coach Taylor after the game.
"Him and Edwards both shown we have one of the best running back combos in the league."

Edwards (153 yards) and Banks (145 yards, 2 rushing TDs) both had big days for Ball State (3-3, 2-0 MAC)
today.

Ball State started the game off slow losing 16-6 before Chris Shillings would catch a big time 35 yard TD
to put Bal State only down 3 entering halftime. With two big plays by Banks in the third putting Ball State
up by 27-16.

Banks would find the end-zone for his third time early in the fourth, which was four straight touchdonws for
Ball State, before Akron would score twice in the final 4:00 minutes of the game. But they could not reco-
ver the onside kick.

Nick Hirschman had a nice day passing for Akron compleiting 31 of 46 passes for 341 yards and 2 TDs.
Julius Cannon also played well throwing for 255 yards and 2 touchdowns. Both QB's threw an interception.