Buffalo Bulls running back Messiah Burch rushed for 209 yards and two touchdowns in a 28–7 victory over the Ball State Cardinals on Wednesday night.
The Bulls improved to 7–3 overall and 5–1 in the Mid-American Conference. They secured bowl eligibility and stayed in a four-way tie for first place in the MAC. Ball State fell to 3–7 overall and 2–4 in the conference; the loss ended the Cardinals’ chance at postseason play.
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Burch reached 1,000 rushing yards for the season — the 12th player in program history to do so. His 67-yard touchdown with 4:04 left in regulation extended Buffalo’s lead to 28–7.
Buffalo scored twice in quick succession late in the fourth quarter. After recovering their own kickoff, Terrance Shelton Jr. ran 27 yards for a touchdown on the first play of the next drive.
Ball State opened the scoring when punter Ethan Stumpf kicked the ball into offensive lineman Christopher Climes. The loose ball rolled into the end zone, where Gabe Aramboles recovered it for a touchdown.
Buffalo tied the game before halftime on a 14-yard touchdown pass from quarterback Jason Wright to wide receiver Chance Morrow. Burch’s 2-yard touchdown run in the third quarter gave the Bulls their first lead.
Ball State missed field-goal attempts from 39, 44 and 47 yards. Running back TJ Horton carried 11 times for 92 yards. Wide receiver Donovan Hamilton caught 11 passes for 104 yards.
Buffalo hosts Central Michigan next Wednesday. Ball State visits Ohio next Tuesday.
More: NCAAF
