BSU stays close, but can't get over the hump

Ball State lost to Ohio 20-17 yesterday in a game where the Cardinals once again had a lead with under 6 minutes left but could not hold on for the victory. Ball State is now 1-8 on the season, but in 6 of those 8 losses they have had the ball in the 4th quarter down 7 points or less. The downfall for the Cards was penalties. BSU had 9 penalties for 91 yards, including a few holding calls that killed two drives and a roughing the punter penalty that allowed an Ohio drive to continue. This team is so close to being a decent MAC team, they just need to get more experience and they will be fine. That experience will have to come quickly as they face a tough three-game stretch to end the season. On Nov 12, BSU goes to Northern Illinois, hosts Central Michigan on Nov 18th, and ends the season at Western Michigan on Nov 24th. These teams are a combined 11-4 in the MAC, so this will be a good barometer on how far this team has progressed this season.

In the world series, the offense for both teams picked up as the Yankees took back home field advantage with an 8-5 victory on Saturday night. Alex Rodriguez had a big homer in the 4th inning and Johnny Damon doubled home two runs in the fifth to put the game away. Game 4 is tonight with the Yankees putting CC Sabathia on the mound with three days rest. The Phillies are going with Joe Blanton on normal rest. This is a must win game for the Phillies as they do not want to go down 3-1 while losing two games at home.