MUNCIE, Ind. (AP) - Zane Fakes' 13-yard touchdown catch with 8:14 to play Wednesday night gave Ball State a three-score lead and a chance to breathe easy against an Ohio squad looking to win their ninth contest of the season.

In front of a national audience, a rarity for teams out of the Mid-American Conference, Ohio and Ball State went toe-to-toe until the fourth quarter when Ball State outscored the Bobcats 21-3 on their way to a 52-27 victory.

Fakes caught seven passes for 58 yards and two touchdowns, the most important coming in the fourth quarter to give Ball State (8-3, 5-2 Mid-American) a 45-27 lead. Ohio (8-3, 4-3) never recovered and have lost three of their last four games after starting the season 7-0.

Jahwan Edwards had 17 carries for 169 yards and a touchdown while Horactio Banks had 14 carries for 135 yards and a score for the Cardinals.

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