Akron Zips @ Ball State Cardinals
Horton's kickoff return ensures Ball State's 42-28 win over Akron
MUNCIE, Ind. -- — TJ Horton scored on a 90-yard kickoff return to seal Ball State's 42-28 win over Akron on Saturday.
Kiael Kelly ran for three touchdowns and passed for another with Qua Ashley rushing for 143 yards on 20 carries for the Cardinals (3-4, 2-1 Mid-American Conference).
Horton's return came after an Akron field goal that had got the Zips within a touchdown with under six minutes remaining.
The Cardinals trailed 15-14 at halftime before Ashley's 69-yard run gave Ball State the lead for good with 10 minutes left in the third quarter. The Cardinals kept the Zips (2-6, 1-3) at bay with Kelly's 29-yard touchdown throw to Koby Gross and Kelly's 1-yard run in the fourth quarter to cap a 75-yard drive.
Ben Finley passed for 291 yards and three touchdowns — two to Israel Polk — for the Zips but was intercepted twice. Jordan Gant had 94 yards rushing.
There was a weather delay midway through the fourth quarter.
------
Get poll alerts and updates on the AP Top 25 throughout the season. Sign up here and here (AP News mobile app). AP college football: https://apnews.com/hub/ap-top-25-college-football-poll and https://apnews.com/hub/college-football
Game Information
Muncie, IN


2025 Standings
| Mid-American ConferenceMid-American Conference | CONF | OVR |
|---|---|---|
| Western Michigan | 7-1 | 10-4 |
| Ohio | 6-2 | 9-4 |
| Toledo | 6-2 | 8-5 |
| Miami (OH) | 6-2 | 7-7 |
| Central Michigan | 5-3 | 7-6 |
| Akron | 4-4 | 5-7 |
| Buffalo | 4-4 | 5-7 |
| Kent State | 4-4 | 5-7 |
| Eastern Michigan | 3-5 | 4-8 |
| Ball State | 3-5 | 4-8 |
| Bowling Green | 2-6 | 4-8 |
| Northern Illinois | 2-6 | 3-9 |
| Massachusetts | 0-8 | 0-12 |
NCAAF News

Ranking college football's top 100 newcomers for the 2026 season
2h

Kewan Lacy, Malachi Toney, Dante Moore on EA Sports CFB 27 cover
2h

Judge weighs eligibility for Texas Tech QB Sorsby in hearing
20h

