Mount Pleasant, MI
Sep 21, 2024
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In an exhilarating back-and-forth showdown, the Central Michigan Chippewas emerged victorious over the Ball State Cardinals with a heart-pounding 37-34 win at Kelly/Shorts Stadium. The game saw three lead changes in the last five minutes, culminating in a dramatic finish. Ball State opened the scoring with a 31-yard field goal by Carson Holmer, followed by a Kadin Semonza touchdown pass to Qian Magwood to take an early 10-0 lead. However, Central Michigan struck back in the second quarter, putting up 23 points to head into halftime with a commanding lead.
The second half was a roller-coaster, as Ball State reclaimed a 24-23 lead midway through the third quarter with a Braedon Sloan touchdown run. The final five minutes saw a flurry of action: Central Michigan took a 30-27 lead with a Bert Emanuel Jr. run, only for Semonza to counter with his third touchdown pass of the day, a 16-yarder to Tanner Koziol, putting Ball State up 34-30 with just 53 seconds left. Undaunted, Joe Labas engineered a five-play, 75-yard drive, capped by a 20-yard touchdown pass to Chris Parker with 16 seconds remaining. A final, desperate series of laterals by Ball State was contained, sealing a riveting victory for the Chippewas.
Carson Holmer (Ball State Cardinals)
In his first start, backup kicker Carson Holmer nailed a 31-yard field goal to put Ball State ahead 3-0, marking the first points of his collegiate career.
Kadin Semonza (Ball State Cardinals)
Semonza threw a 6-yard touchdown to Qian Magwood, capping a seven-play, 63-yard drive and extending Ball State's lead to 10-0.
Bert Emanuel Jr. (Central Michigan Chippewas)
Making his season debut, Emanuel Jr. rushed for a 20-yard touchdown, reducing Ball State's lead to 10-7 and igniting a rally for Central Michigan.
Joe Labas (Central Michigan Chippewas)
Labas connected with Chris Parker for a 20-yard touchdown with only 16 seconds remaining, sealing Central Michigan's dramatic 37-34 victory.
Brandon Berger (Ball State Cardinals)
With the game tied, Berger sacked Joe Labas for a 6-yard loss, forcing a critical punt that set up Ball State's final offensive drive.
B.J. Harris (Central Michigan Chippewas)
On Central Michigan's final drive, Harris had runs of 50 and 6 yards, setting up the game-winning touchdown pass from Labas to Parker.
Kadin Semonza (Ball State Cardinals)
Setting up Ball State's final lead, Semonza completed a 45-yard pass to Qian Magwood and a 16-yard touchdown pass to Tanner Koziol.
Bert Emanuel Jr. (Central Michigan Chippewas, QB)
Emanuel Jr. made his season debut with impactful contributions, including a crucial 20-yard touchdown rush that closed the gap early and another touchdown scamper, keeping Central Michigan within striking distance.
Marion Lukes (Central Michigan Chippewas, RB)
Lukes was a steady force on the ground, rushing 13 times for 86 yards and a touchdown, helping sustain numerous drives and keeping the offense balanced.
Kadin Semonza (Ball State Cardinals, QB)
Semonza was outstanding in his first MAC start, completing 30-of-40 passes for 285 yards and three touchdowns, leading Ball State's offense and orchestrating several key drives, including a late go-ahead touchdown.
Joe Labas (Central Michigan Chippewas, QB)
Labas showed poise under pressure, completing 14 of 20 passes for 185 yards, including the game-winning 20-yard touchdown pass in the final seconds.
Braedon Sloan (Ball State Cardinals, RB)
Sloan continued his strong performance streak with 94 rushing yards on 19 carries, including a critical 22-yard touchdown run that briefly gave Ball State the lead in the third quarter.
Chris Parker (Central Michigan Chippewas, WR)
Parker was the hero for Central Michigan, making five receptions for 79 yards and scoring two key touchdowns, including the game-winner with 16 seconds left.
Ball State Cardinals
10
7
7
10
34
Central Michigan Chippewas
0
23
0
14
37
