|
MUNCIE, Ind. -The Western Michigan football team forced five turnovers, turning them in 24 points in the Broncos' 45-16 win at Ball State at Scheumann Stadium on Saturday afternoon.
Western Michigan scored once more in the opening frame, this time on a nine-yard run from Carder, capping a nine-play, 60-yard drive. Carder led the team with a career-high 66 yards rushing and three rushing TDs. Three different Broncos rushed for over 50 yards, including Tevin Drake, who made his collegiate debut with 63 yards on eight carries, as the Broncos rushed for a season high 209 yards.
Dareyon Chance rushed for 53 yards on eight carries, including a career-long run of 41 yards Saturday. Western Michigan's top three rushers, including Carder, averaged over five yards per carry, led by Drake's 7.9 yards per carry.
As the first quarter drew to a close, it seemed as though another Bronco scoring drive had stalled at the eight-yard line. The team came back on the field to start the second quarter to attempt the short field goal. Holder Robert Arnheim took the snap from Mike Famiglietti and flipped it to Potter. The field opened up as Potter ran untouched for the third TD of the game for Western Michigan.
Potter made his marks on the stat sheet with the fumble recovery, a rushing TD, one field goal and a touchback, but the scoring was not over for the Broncos. After a Ball State field goal to make the score, 31-9, Carder ripped through the line for his third rushing score of the game with 5:42 remaining in third quarter.
After multiple attempts to score through the air, Carder found Juan Nunez from 32 yards out for an aerial strike with 31 seconds remaining in the third. It was Nunez's first TD catch since the opener at Michigan State. He finished with five catches for 71 yards.
Carder finished the game with 265 yards through the air on 17-for-29 passing. It was also the first game of the year WMU did not turn the ball over. Jordan White led all receivers with 96 yards receiving on just four receptions as eight different receivers had at least one catch. Clark Mussman had a career high 37 yards receiving on two receptions and Arnheim pitched in 35 yards on two catches as well.
Mario Armstrong had his second pick in as many games and the Broncos registered a season high five pass break ups. Armstrong also forced a fumble as did Simon. Drew Nowak recovered another fumble as did Jamail Berry. Mitch Zajac led the team with eight tackles.
After evening its Mid-American Conference record at 1-1, Western Michigan takes a week off of conference play to travel 70 minutes down Rte. 131 to South Bend, Ind., where they will take on Notre Dame. It will be the first time during the existence of the MAC a team from the conference takes the field against the Irish.
Courtesy of WMU Athletics
|
