2008 Week 3

69. 67. 80. 50.

Just random numbers, correct?

No, those numbers represent the 4 Ball State Touchdowns against the Northwestern Wildcats on Tuesday. A 69 and a 67 yard pass in the first half, and a 80 and 50 yard run in the second half almost put Northwestern's hope at reaching a winning record on hold.

But the team that has possession of the football for 3/4 of the game will always come out on top.

With a 21-7 minute advantage in Time of Possession, the Wildcats had numerous long drives, many of which ended in Field Goals by the Player of the Game, Stefan Demos. But, 99 yards on the ground by Tyrell Sutton and almost 250 passing yards for CJ Bacher prevailed in the end.

Sutton, who also had 8 receptions for 88 yards to go along with his 99 rushing yards, was the main weapon of the Northwestern offense. His 30 total touches kept the Ball State defense on their heels.

"We set up the pass with the run very well today. But, we need to work on our pass protection. The 10 sacks we gave up today almost lost us the game," said Coach Taylor.

The Wildcats also won the turnover battle, something that has been uncommon so far in Taylor's 15 games as head coach. CJ Bacher threw for 1 TD and 0 INT's, while Sutton did have 1 fumble, but it rolled out of bounds before anyone was able to recover it. Justin Mabin, Gerard Hamlett, and Eric Peterman each intercepted Nate Davis, the Cardinals QB, once, and Hamlett returned his for a Defensive Touchdown.

The Wildcats have week 4 off before they travel to Madison to face the Wisconsin Badgers.