Anatomy of a play

After scoring two go-ahead touchdowns in the fourth quarter, Ball State found itself one play away from victory.

The University of Toledo trailed 31-24 with 1:13 remaining in the game. Facing a fourth and six from the Ball State 49-yard line, the play would decide Toledo’s fate.

With one timeout and plenty of time remaining, a first down could have led to a game-tying touchdown. Failure to do so would give Ball State possession with the ability to run out the remainder of the clock.

Here’s how it played out:

1.Running back David Fluellen lined up in the backfield to the left of Toledo quarterback Terrance Owens. Out of the shotgun, Owens motions for Fluellen to move to the left side of wide receiver Alonzo Russell.

2. Junior cornerback Eric Patterson, who initially lined up against Russell, is forced to move over and cover Fluellen.

3. This brings freshman safety Dae’Shaun Hurley down to replace Patterson in covering Russell — Toledo’s leading receiver in the game.

4. Ball State initially rushes five players, but a sixth is able to rush as Toledo keeps tight end Zac Rosenbauer in for pass protection.

5. Russell runs a go-route, and is jammed by Hurley at the 47-yard line. Following the jam, Russell gains inside position and continues running down field.

6. Owens, under pressure from the Ball State pass rush, throws toward Russell. The pass is put in good position high and inside, right around the 40-yard line.

7. With a hand on Russell’s waist, Hurley jumps up to contest the pass. The pass hits Russell’s fingertips, but falls incomplete.