BALL STATE

For the third consecutive season, the Chippewas will compete in the NCAA Baseball Tournament after beating Ball State, 11-7, Sunday to claim the Mid-American Conference tournament title. CMU, 42-17, opens the NCAA tournament at 6:30 p.m. Friday in Gainsville, Florida, taking on the home team. “In a sense, the NCAA tournament is more relaxing than the conference tournament,” CMU coach Jordan Bischel said. It’s good to be competing against national competition, good to show that CMU can play with anyone.”CMU’s path to the NCAA tournament was not an easy won. Patty, a former Midland High standout, will make his third consecutive appearance in an NCAA tournament.

KALAMAZOO, MI – Clayton Bates has resigned after two seasons as the head coach of Western Michigan’s men’s basketball program. In two seasons atop the program, Bates went 13-39 overall and 8-28 against conference foes. The Broncos finished in last place in the MAC this season and were ninth out of 12 teams last year. “Coach Bates has been a stabilizing and loyal member of the Bronco basketball family over several years,” first-year WMU athletic director Bartholomae said in a press release. “My most sincere appreciation to all members of the Western Michigan University Athletic Department for their efforts and hard work on behalf of the men’s basketball program.

Michigan basketball was forced to cancel two games due to COVID this week, but several former Wolverines earned new opportunities due to virus protocols.

And the former Michigan State defensive tackle from Indiana is heading to one in his home state. 10 Michigan State (11-2) beat No. He will join offensive lineman Damon Kaylor, an Indiana native who spent two years at Michigan State before transferring to Ball State before this season. A former three-star recruit from New Palestine High School in Indiana, King, 6-foot-3 and 270 pounds, signed with Michigan State’s 2020 recruiting class and didn’t play as a true freshman last year. Related Michigan State football stories:Michigan State OL Kevin Jarvis declares for NFL draftMichigan State’s Cal Haladay caps breakout season as Peach Bowl defensive MVPFormer Michigan State DB Michael Dowell commits to PittsburghTakeaways, observations from Michigan State’s Peach Bowl win against PittsburghMichigan State WR Jayden Reed named Peach Bowl offensive MVP, undecided about future

Darren Grainger passed for 203 yards and three touchdowns and ran for 122 yards and a fourth score to lead Georgia State to a 51-20 victory over Ball State in the Camellia Bowl on Saturday.

The Huskies’ last-second field goal in Wednesday’s 30-29 win over Ball State pulled them closer toward a MAC West title, and NIU is currently the MAC West’s only squad that controls its own destiny in the division title race. Follow along to see where each MAC West team currently stands and how the Huskies, Chippewas and Broncos can get to Detroit. MAC West standings1. CMUIf CMU wins its final two games, and NIU loses twice, the Chippewas will be MAC West champs for the second time in three seasons. EMUThe Eagles’ 34-26 loss to Ohio on Wednesday gave them three conference losses and officially ended any chance at EMU’s first MAC West title.

KALAMAZOO, MI – Western Michigan entered its Week 6 football game against Ball State ranked sixth nationally in turnover margin and was one of five teams in the country yet to throw an interception. The Bronco defense found itself in a tough spot for a second consecutive drive, but the unit looked like it could salvage some momentum by putting Ball State into a third-and-9 situation. Five plays later, Ball State made it 38-20 with 9:35 left in the fourth on a 5-yard end-around to explosive wide receiver Justin Hall. After four wins in a row, the Broncos fall to 4-2 overall and 1-0 in the MAC, while Ball State improves to 3-3 and 2-1 in conference. What we did wasn’t good enough; the calls weren’t good enough; the execution was good enough; ball security wasn’t good enough – things that we’ve been pretty good at up to this point.

KALAMAZOO, MI-- Western Michigan University was back at Waldo Stadium Saturday afternoon as they hosted Ball State. The Broncos lost to the Cardinals 45-20 and now have a record of 4-2. MLive was there to document the action, both on and off of the field. Check out 34 photos from the game in the gallery above. Next week Western Michigan will be celebrating homecoming as they host divisional opponent Kent State on Saturday, Oct. 16 with a kickoff time scheduled for 3:30 p.m.More WMU news:WMU football’s elite ball-control offense a product of players over play calling, coach saysHistorical photos show homecoming through the years at Western Michigan UniversityWestern Michigan receives votes in both college football polls for first time since 2016WMU football gets coach Tim Lester back for MAC opener, loses CB DaShon Bussell for season

Sean Clifford completed 21 of 29 passes for 230 yards and a touchdown, ran for another score, and No. 11 Penn State beat Ball State 44-13.

Western Michigan was the closest to the top of the preseason poll, checking in at No. Defending MAC champ Ball State was picked to win the MAC West, garnering nine first-place votes and 65 points, while Toledo slotted in at No. Central Michigan's Kalil Pimpleton (88) races to the end zone in a game against Western Michigan at Central Michigan University on Wednesday, Nov. 18, 2020. Like many teams around the nation, EMU returns the bulk of their starters, including first team All-MAC defensive back Noski LaFleur. Western Michigan (1), 533.

Reigning MAC champion Ball State was picked to defend its West Division title, as the Cardinals boasted 11 first-place votes and 114 points. Ball State also received a league-high seven votes to win the MAC Championship Game, which will be held Saturday, Dec. 4 at Ford Field. 2 in the MAC West voting coming off last year’s 4-2 season, and the Rockets will feature nine players who have earned all-conference honors during their careers. Ball State (11), 114 points2. Bowling Green, 28 pointsMore MAC football coverageWMU football adds late gem to 2021 recruiting class in Detroit King OL Brandon HonorableWestern Michigan football preparing for full capacity at Waldo Stadium in 2021Michigan football’s season opener vs. WMU to air on ESPNEastern Michigan football adds pair of Power Five transfersCentral Michigan University adds bulk with 2020 football signeesCentral Michigan adds Notre Dame to its 2023 football schedule

YPSILANTI – One of Michigan’s top 2020 high school football recruits is returning to the state to continue his football career. Former Davison star Latrell Fordham, a 3-star recruit, announced his decision to commit to Eastern Michigan on Thursday. Fordham was an integral piece to Davison’s 2019 Division 1 Michigan high school state championship team as he caught a touchdown pass during the 35-25 win over Brighton. Fordham is now the 28th player in EMU’s 2021 recruiting class, which ranks 96th in the country and sixth in the Mid-American Conference. MORE:7 players join Eastern Michigan football’s 2021 recruiting class on National Signing DaySee EMU football’s 2021 recruiting class after early signing periodAll-Stater Latrell Fordham of Davison has change of heart about attending Ball State

Both teams flexed their muscles in winning their respective conference championship games. The last time Alabama was held below 35 points came in a 44-16 loss to Clemson in a CFP championship game to cap the 2018 season. Clemson’s 34-10 Atlantic Coast Conference championship game rout of Notre Dame improved Trevor Lawrence's record as a starting quarterback to 34-1. San Jose State and Ball State will face off in the Arizona Bowl on Dec. 31. San Jose State is seeking to complete its first unbeaten season since a 13-0 finish in 1939.

(AP Photo/Carlos Osorio)DETROIT – Ball State coach Mike Neu had plenty of motivational material at his disposal for the Mid-American Conference title game. “Our mindset was, it’s Ball State against the world. The game turned when Ball State scored three touchdowns in the final 5:55 of the first half to take a 35-21 lead. That year, the Bulls knocked off an undefeated and nationally ranked Ball State team for the championship. LONG TIME COMINGPlitt is a fifth-year senior, and this is the first time Ball State has had a winning record since he arrived.

DETROIT – Two cousins and Detroit natives are going head-to-head in the Mid-American Conference (MAC) championship game at Ford Field on Friday night. Jalen McGaughy and Rich Miller went their separate ways to play at Buffalo and Ball State. Though competitors now, the pair got especially close when they both played for Detroit King and won two state titles together. Spent every single day together,” Miller said. Ahead of the game on Friday night, both teams have won their last five games -- and both men want to win a title.

KALAMAZOO, MI - The Mid-American Conference announced its postseason awards Tuesday, and West Division runner-up Western Michigan was well-represented in all three facets of the game. Eskridge led the nation in all-purpose yards per game (213) and topped the MAC in receiving yards (784), receiving yards per game (130.7) and receiving touchdowns (8). Western Michigan's D’Wayne Eskridge (1) runs the ball against Northern Illinois' Jordan Gandy (14) during a college football game at Waldo Stadium at Western Michigan University on Saturday, Nov. 28, 2020. Western Michigan won the game over Northern Illinois, 30-27.J. Western Michigan's Mike Caliendo (61) blocks during a college football game at Waldo Stadium at Western Michigan University on Saturday, Nov. 28, 2020.

KALAMAZOO, MI - Mattawan’s Nathaniel Webster celebrated a state championship trophy for the second consecutive year to close out the 2020 boys tennis season, and while the No. Eli Festerling, AlleganAfter helping his team win the Division 4 team state championship and claiming an individual state title at No. 3 and shined once again, posting a 17-1 record, including a 3-0 mark in the playoffs. 1 doubles with teammate Zane Graham, earning first team all-state honors and posting a 21-4 record, including a 4-0 record in the playoffs. 1, where he led the Trojans to their fourth consecutive state tournament berth.

Ball State freshman kicker Jack Knight shook off two missed extra points from earlier in the contest to convert a 22-yard field goal to give the Cardinals a 30-27 lead with 29 seconds left in the fourth quarter. Ball State went on to win the game and division title after the Broncos were penalized for an illegal forward pass. With six ticks remaining, quarterback Kaleb Eleby threw a short pass to Skyy Moore, who started a series of laterals that moved the ball across the field with Ball State in pursuit. The last empty red zone trip saw Eleby pull the ball on what should have been a read-option handoff to La’Darius Jefferson, then get stuffed for a 3-yard loss on third-and-1 from the Ball State 8-yard line. The Broncos tallied 218 yards at 4.3 per carry to consistently keep the chains moving and the Ball State defense out on the field.

Ball State went on to win the game and division title after the Broncos were penalized for an illegal forward pass. Kicking into a 30-mph wind, Kapps’ 29-yard field goal attempt went wide right, giving the ball back to Ball State. WMU took over from its own 20, went three-and-out and a Nick Mihalic punt into the wind put Ball State at the Broncos’ 46-yard line with 2:46 left. The ball sailed back toward midfield, and Ball State scooped it up and returned it to the Broncos’ 40-yard line. Jefferson, a Michigan State transfer who received immediate eligibility for his junior season, ran for a career-best 160 yards and a score on 25 carries.

Regardless of the outcome against the Eagles, the Broncos (4-1) would have still needed a win over Ball State (4-1) in the regular-season finale to secure their first MAC West title since 2016. “Obviously disappointed in Saturday’s game; we have a ton to get better at,” Lester said during Monday’s videoconference with media. “We can’t turn the ball over -- did that three times, made a huge difference in the game… We didn’t tackle well enough. We literally just turned the page to Ball State and, and we’ll have a walkthrough and start inserting all our Ball State stuff (Monday night) so it’s exciting to be in a MAC West championship game on the last weekend of the year. The Broncos were the MAC West runners-up in each of the previous two seasons, but disappointing finishes scuttled their Ford Field hopes.

ANN ARBOR, Mich. – The Michigan basketball team survived the first three games on its schedule and will now play against much tougher competition the rest of the season. Three days before taking Michigan to overtime, Oakland lost to Toledo by 27. Two days after leaving the Crisler Center, Oakland lost to Purdue by 43. Coming upIn this COVID-19-shortened season, Michigan only has five non-conference games before the start of Big Ten play. Franz Wagner #21 of the Michigan Wolverines looks on during the second half against the Ball State Cardinals at Crisler Arena on December 02, 2020 in Ann Arbor, Michigan.

ANN ARBOR, Mich. – Isaiah Livers scored 21 points on 8-of-11 shooting, Hunter Dickinson had his first career double-double, and Michigan beat Ball State 84-65 on Wednesday night. Franz Wagner added 14 points and Mike Smith scored 10 for Michigan (3-0). Dickinson made a layup to make it 34-14 with 5:39 left in the first half, but the Cardinals scored 19 of the last 25 first-half points. El-Amin hit a jumper early just 14 seconds after halftime to trim Ball State's deficit to 40-35, but Michigan scored the next six points and the Cardinals got no closer. Walton led Ball State (0-2) with 20 points.

Michigan led by as many as 20 in the first half but settled for a seven-point halftime edge. Given the overtime scare against Oakland the last time out, it was fair to wonder if this was headed down a similar path, especially after Ball State scored to open the second half. Michigan coach Juwan Howard stuck with his 10-man rotation for all but the final minutes. Michigan led 34-14. Michigan led 58-42.

Michigan hosts Ball State on Wednesday, with the tip scheduled for 7:03 p.m. The Wolverines fell out of Monday’s updated top-25 rankings despite their 2-0 start, while Ball State lost a heartbreaker in its lone game, a week ago. Here’s how to watch tonight’s game, being broadcast live from Crisler Center in Ann Arbor. Who: Ball State at MichiganTV: Big Ten NetworkStream: Fubo (7-day free trial) | Sling | Hulu (free trial)More Michigan basketball content:Michigan basketball gameday: Ball State visits for first time in 12 yearsWith Ball State visiting, Michigan basketball still figuring out lineupsHunter Dickinson and the ‘DMV boys’ spark Michigan’s late comebackMichigan’s Isaiah Livers on feisty exchange with Juwan Howard: ‘He was challenging me’Michigan basketball, thanks to a frosh, wins in OT to avoid huge upset vs. Oakland

Michigan hosts Ball State on Wednesday. He has substituted based on matchups: Davis’ minutes have been limited, no doubt, because neither Bowling Green nor Oakland were particularly big. And Howard has ridden the hot hand: Dickinson played the final 16 minutes on Sunday because he was a scoring machine. There have been 17 minutes where neither of Michigan’s true centers, Davis and Dickinson, have been on the floor. Ball State went 18-13 last season (11-7 in the Mid-American Conference) and finished the year at No.

While the Michigan men’s basketball program has announced just one game for the upcoming season, there are agreements for several others. That game is still on, according to a Ball State basketball spokesperson, but will happen in early December. Michigan had a handful of games scheduled between then and the new start date, all of which had to be scrapped or at the very least rescheduled. It’s fluid every day.”Those within the Michigan basketball program do not believe the general public will be allowed inside Crisler this season. Michigan basketball 2020-21 tentative schedule:Nov. 29: OaklandEarly December: Ball StateDec. 6: UCFDec. 9: North Carolina StateMore Michigan basketball content:In 5-star recruit Moussa Diabate, Michigan gets a versatile big manWith recruiting signing period set to start, Juwan Howard preparing for top-ranked classMichigan basketball has a plan to replace point guard Zavier SimpsonMichigan sneaks in to preseason top-25 poll

It wouldn’t be autumn in the Midwest without some MACtion, and now fans of mid-week college football know exactly when and who they’ll be watching. The Mid-American Conference released 2020 football schedules for its 12 member teams on Wednesday, and the first three weeks will all be played on Tuesdays or Wednesdays, with the final three weeks taking place on Saturdays in late November through mid-December. Kickoff times and broadcast details have yet to be announced, but tailgating and general public attendance at the games is prohibited. We’re only 27 days away from kickoff, but for the faithful fans of Central Michigan, Eastern Michigan and Western Michigan, it’s better late than never. Follow along to see full schedules for the MAC’s 12 football teams.

Akers scored a career-high three touchdowns in the win and he now leads the ACC and sits fourth in the nation in rushing yards (499) and ninth in the conference and country in rushing yards per game (124.8). Florida State leads the series 26-13 and 12 of the last 19 meetings have been decided by 10 points or fewer. NC State is perfect in the red zone this season, scoring on all 19 chances. Blackman made his only start of last season against the Wolfpack, passing for a career-high 421 yards and four touchdowns. PREDICTION: Florida State 27, NC State 24More college football scoresCopyright 2019 by WDIV ClickOnDetroit - All rights reserved.

Tabari Hines #5 of the North Carolina State Wolfpack scores a touchdown against the East Carolina Pirates during the second half of their game at Carter-Finley Stadium on August 31, 2019 in Raleigh, North Carolina. (Photo by GrantRALEIGH, N.C. - North Carolina State will be back at the friendly confines of Carter-Finley Stadium on Saturday when it meets Ball State in a nonconference game. LINE: N.C. State -19.5After two solid performances to open the season, sophomore quarterback Matthew McKay struggled against West Virginia, completing fewer than 50 percent of his passes and taking three sacks. Thayer Thomas had a touchdown catch and pass against West Virginia, becoming the first N.C. State player to accomplish the feat since Rashard Smith did so against Boston College in 2013. PREDICTION: N.C. State 41, Ball State 13More college football scoresCopyright 2019 by WDIV ClickOnDetroit - All rights reserved.

Penix also made freshman mistakes that he'll try to eliminate this week against Eastern Illinois, throwing two interceptions and missing some reads that ultimately kept the game close. Five Indiana receivers finished with three or more catches as the passing attack outpaced the run game (148 yards) so Indiana will be looking for more production from its backs against Eastern Illinois. Linebacker Joe Caputo, who anchored Eastern Illinois' defense with eight tackles, has started 34 consecutive games and played under four defensive coordinators during his five years in the program. The Panthers are 0-8 all time against Big Ten opponents, but when Cushing was an assistant at Northwestern before taking the coaching job this season at Eastern Illinois, the Wildcats were 7-1 against Indiana. PREDICTION: Indiana 52, Eastern Illinois 10More college football scoresCopyright 2019 by WDIV ClickOnDetroit - All rights reserved.

(Photo by MarkINDIANAPOLIS - Indiana opens its 2019 season in the Kickoff Classic on Saturday at Lucas Oil Stadium in Indianapolis against in-state opponent Ball State. The Hoosiers enter the matchup as solid favorites but mindful that the teams met in the same game in 2011 will Ball State pulling off a 27-20 upset. This season, Indiana is aiming for a rebound based on the strength of nine returning starters apiece on offense and defense. ABOUT INDIANA (2018: 5-7)All eyes heading into the opener were on quarterbacks Peyton Ramsey, redshirt freshman Michael Penix Jr. and Utah transfer Jack Tuttle. PREDICTION: Indiana 35, Ball State 14More college football scoresCopyright 2019 by WDIV ClickOnDetroit - All rights reserved.