Ball State and Western Michigan delivered a wild finish that took a turn after one controversial play. With 32 seconds left, Ball State kicker Jack Knight, who had already missed two extra points, nailed a field goal to give Ball State the lead. The sideline erupted, players swarmed Knight, and it looked like the game was done. But Western Michigan had one last chance. What followed was a chaotic final play with 16 laterals, multiple players touching the ball more than once, and complete mayhem on the field. Some players thought the game was over. Ball State players ran onto the field, thinking the final pass had been incomplete. One Western Michigan player even did a backflip during the confusion.
But somehow, Western Michigan kept the play alive and crossed the goal line. The officials initially ruled it a touchdown, sparking celebration from the Western Michigan side. Then came the review. After a long debate, the refs determined that one of the many laterals was actually a forward pass. That made the whole play dead. Touchdown reversed. Game over. Ball State wins. Western Michigan loses a wild one on a technicality. It was a mess, and a lot of fun to watch, but in the end, the rules held up.