OXFORD, OHIO - In the first nine wins of the season, Ball State University established a trend of pulling away late in games.
Win No. 10 followed suit.
The Cardinals played a lackluster game on both sides of the ball in the first three quarters before comfortably beating Miami University 31-16 at Yeager Stadium. The win gave Ball State its best start in the program's 84-year history with a 10-0 record.
Coach Brady Hoke gave credence to his team's accomplishment but said it only scratched the surface of goals he wants to meet this year.
At the end of the third quarter, it looked as if Ball State would receive its first true fourth-quarter test of the season. The Cardinals had an eight-point lead - the closest span after three quarters this season - and had inconsistent play on both sides of the ball.
But Ball State scored 10 plays into the final period on a 1-yard pitch to MiQuale Lewis gave the Cardinals a 31-16 lead with 9:58 to play.
"Our backs were against the wall there for a little bit," senior linebacker Bryant Haines said. "We go behind and that's something that hasn't happened often. We got tested, and we came through, so it was a big win."
Even though Lewis' touchdown was the final score for either team, Miami didn't go away quietly. The RedHawks (2-8, 1-5 Mid-American Conference) mounted two fourth-quarter drives into the Cardinals' territory, but both possessions ended on downs after a dropped pass.
Miami coach Shane Montgomery said his team's last series of the third quarter was the most disappointing.
The series came after senior linebacker Joey Hudson intercepted Ball State quarterback Nate Davis' pass in the red zone and ran it back 52 yards to the Cardinals' 40. The play could've been a major momentum shift, but Miami punted after three plays.
"When you don't win there are always things you would like to have back," Montgomery said. "That was the possession I would like to have back."
Davis completed 17-of-24 passes for 289 yards with one touchdown and an interception. The touchdown came on a 17-yard pass to tight end Darius Hill midway through the second quarter.
Lewis rushed 26 times for 165 rushing yards, one yard shy of his career high gained at Indiana University earlier this season - and scored two touchdowns.
Lewis carried the ball the first seven plays for 57 yards to start the game. The drive ended without points when Miami forced an incomplete pass on fourth-and-goal, but Lewis said it was beneficial for his offensive line to gain control of the line of scrimmage early.
"That's great for a back to start out a game and know you can get to the (defense's) second level," Lewis said. "It was there all night. Our offensive line did a great job, and our tight ends and receivers did a great job blocking."
With Miami out of the way, Hoke can finally focus on what most Ball State fans have been waiting for throughout the season - Ball State's game at Central Michigan. The Chippewas are the MAC's two-time defending champions and have a 7-2 record this season.
"Obviously they're the reigning champions, and they deserve to be," Hoke said. "They're a terrific football team. They're undefeated (in conference play) ... so it will be a big game."
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