WEST POINT, N.Y. - The two-quarterback system didn't do much for Ball State University except produce interceptions in a 24-17 loss to Army.
Freshman Kelly Page threw a game-deciding interception that was returned for a 18-yard touchdown by Army. With the game tied at 17 with 6:41 left in the fourth quarter, Page rolled out to the left in his own end zone and threw towards tight end Zane Fakes. Safety Donovan Travis stepped in front of the pass and took ball it in for a score.
It was Page's third interception of the day. Backup Tanner Justice came into the game twice after Page's miscues and played two additional series. He was intercepted on the only play of that drive.
Army opened the scoring with a one-yard touchdown run by Jameson Carter, completing an 80-yard drive. The Black Knights also almost lost the ball on the previous play, but quarterback Trent Steelman recovered his fumble.
Page answered with his first career rushing touchdown. Page took the ball around the right end on a quarterback keeper for 15 yards.
The teams exchanged field goals before Army opened up a seven-point halftime lead. Wide receiver Ali Villanueva hauled in 22-yard reception to keep the drive alive and then caught a wide open 24-yard touchdown pass.
Ball State evened the score at 17 in the third quarter with a 34-yard touchdown pass to wide receiver Tori Gibson. It was Gibson's first career touchdown.
Ball State was unable to capitalize on Army's early miscues. The Black Knights fumbled the ball three times in the first quarter, but were able to recover two of them. The one fumble recovered by the Cardinals led to Page's touchdown run.
For the second straight game, running back MiQuale Lewis struggled to gain yards on the ground. He rushed the ball 12 times for 17 yards. Page led the team in rushing with 58 yards on four attempts.
Page finished the game 12-of-24 for 154 yards. Justice was 7-of-11 for 100 yards.
Briggs Orsbon led Ball State with 50 receiving yards on seven catches.
For full coverage of the game, read Sunday's edition of The Ball State Daily News.
Read More
Three Air Jam teams take home the win
October 12, 2012Nineteen teams shimmied, shook and flipped for a sold out John R. Emens Auditorium on Thursday night during the 25th annual Air Jam.
Bill Clinton Speaks at North Central High School
October 12, 2012Former President's Speech Could Have Effect on State Senate Race
