Punt Return For Touchdown Helps Ball State Stun Western Michigan

November 25, 2009 7:12 a.m. EST

Kalamazoo, MI (AHN) - Charlie Todd returned an 87 yard punt for a touchdown late in the fourth quarter, giving Ball State the upset victory 22-17 over Western Michigan Tuesday night.

The Ball State Cardinals came into tonight's game looking to finish the year off on a high note with a very young team returning most of their starters next season.

Western Michigan had several seniors, including quarterback Tim Hiller, finishing their careers for the final time at Waldo Stadium.

Ball State took an early 13-0 lead into the second quarter on their only offensive touchdown on a three yard rush by RB MiQuale Lewis. Lewis carried 16 times for 46 yards.

Quarterback Tanner Justice struggled all night against the Western Michigan defense, completing only 7 of 16 passes for 70 yards and one interception.

The impact player of the game was kicker Ian McGarvey who connected on three field goals, with a long of 48 in the game.

Broncos senior quarterback Tim Hiller didn't go out the way he wanted, but passed for a season high of 358 yards on 33 of 62 pass completions.

Hiller only threw one touchdown pass to WR Jordan White giving Western Michigan the 17-16 lead in the fourth quarter.

Hiller threw four interceptions.

Junior WR Jordan White had a monster game catching 10 passes for a total of 110 yards.

Fellow receiver Chleb Ravenell also had a nice game with seven receptions and 106 yards receiving.

Senior Running Back Brandon West finished his career with a bang, with 102 rushing yards and one touchdown on 21 carries.

But the play of the game that ended up being the deciding factor was Charlie Todd 87 yard punt return giving Ball State the 22-17 victory.

Ball State finishes the year (2-10) looking to build on this win with a very young team returning all but three seniors next season.

Western Michigan dropped to (5-7) with the disappointing loss for a group of 12 seniors looking to finish their careers with a win.

Key losses of quarterback Tim Hiller who threw for 98 TD and 10,984 yards.

Running back Brandon West collected 24 TD  and 3,569 rushing yards will be hard to replace.