2008 Week 11

MUNCIE, Ind. (AP) - Brandon Downs was absolutely chomping at the bit when he got the news just before the opening kickoff.

In B-Dawg's quest to jump-start his struggling Eastern Michigan offense, he's experimented with different playbooks the past few games. His latest experiment was to use the "option run" book for the Hurons' game at Ball State on Nov. 15, 2008.

For a fullback like Downs, it was perfect.

Some playbooks have few formations other than goal line that utilize a fullback. Not so with "option run," which is chock full of opportunities for the big guy to lug the rock.

Downs got a chance to shine like never before, capping the first winning two-minute drill in this dynasty's two-year history with a 1-yard run on fourth-and-goal with 1:01 remaining to give EMU a 34-31 victory over Ball State.

The lead changed hands three times in the fourth quarter. EMU was on the verge of going down by two scores when Chris May picked off a pass and returned it 91 yards for a touchdown with 6:10 remaining, putting the Hurons up 27-24.

Ball State quarterback Nate Davis made up for the mistake when he threw a 4-yard touchdown pass to tight end Madaris Grant with 2:54 remaining, giving the Cardinals a 31-27 lead.

It was gut-check time for the Hurons, who have had several opportunities the last two years to put together a winning two-minute drill, only to implode by giving up sacks or turning the ball over.

"I can't say I was overly optimistic about our chances," B-Dawg said. "I've had teams that I absolutely knew were going to win under these circumstances. These guys have done nothing so far to inspire any confidence in me. They became men today."

An offense that has had precious few long passes got one to ignite the winning drive.

With 2:34 left in the game, quarterback Tyler Jones rolled to his left to get a good look at receiver Reggie Brown, who was running an in-and-out route toward the left sideline. Brown got separation and caught the ball in stride. Jakeem Gregory caught up with Brown and gave him enough of a bump to cause his left foot to graze the sideline and send him out of bounds at Ball State's 15-yard line.

"That was an enormous play, but anyone who has seen us knows that we are by no means money from 15 yards away," B-Dawg said.

With plenty of time on the clock, B-Dawg was able to pound the ball, getting first-and-goal at the 4-yard line. On third down from the 1, Downs was sent back by defensive tackle Roger Morris, putting the ball just inside the 2-yard line. Given the sorry state of EMU's passing game, throwing was not an option. B-Dawg called Downs' number one more time and he had a huge hole up the middle. By the time Drew Duffin made contact at the 1-yard line, Downs already had a full head of steam toward the goal line, capping an eight-play, 71-yard drive.

Downs finished with career-high totals of 21 carries for 64 yards.

Ball State got the ball with 57 seconds left at its own 26-yard line, but had its comeback attempt end when freshman linebacker Henry Hawkins picked off a pass on fourth-and-10 with 22 seconds remaining.

There wouldn't have been enough time on the clock for the winning drive had B-Dawg not bumped his settings from seven- to eight-minute quarters.

"I took the advice of Northwestern coach DGZ and bumped it back up," B-Dawg said. "I was feeling rushed to get to the line and snap the ball to get in as many plays as possible. This was a much better pace today. My only concern is my defensive players will get ridiculous tackle totals, since multiple tackles are being awarded for gang tackles this year. I'm going to tweak my sub settings so guys get off the field more often. This will also make it more vital that I build depth in my program."

While Downs got the glory of scoring the winning touchdown, the most critical play was May's 91-yard interception return.

Ball State was leading 24-20 and had second-and-six at EMU's 17-yard line. Davis should have known better than to throw, given the fact he threw an interception that Corey Everson returned 101 yards in overtime against Eastern Michigan last season. A pass that was intended for Deandrie Rogers was picked off by May, who won a foot race to the end zone to totally change the complexion of the game.

"If they just stick to the ground, they probably get a touchdown, we're down by 11 and there's no way we come back," B-Dawg said. "I'd like to think we earned this win with our two-minute drill, but a part of me knows it was handed to us by poor CPU playcalling."

EMU got out to an early 17-7, scoring just 44 seconds into the game after Louis Johnson fumbled the opening kickoff at Ball State's 17-yard line.

Jones had an interception-free game for the third time in his last four outings, going 14-for-24 for 172 yards, no touchdowns and no picks.