TUCSON, Ariz. – Tears were shed when Ball State coach Mike Neu told his players this summer that the season had been canceled due to the coronavirus pandemic.When the Mid-American Conference changed course and decided to start a truncated season in November, the Cardinals were given a second chance.
They turned it into the program's first bowl win in 10 tries.Antonio Phillips returned an early interception 53 yards for a touchdown, Drew Plitt accounted for two scores and Ball State beat short-handed No.
19 San Jose State 34-13 in the Arizona Bowl on Thursday.“We knew were granted an opportunity to do something special here,” Ball State safety Bryce Cosby said. “That says a lot about these guys.