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Finally. After failing to close out games against Wake Forest and Yale, Army got the job done behind 188 yards on the ground by Larry Dixon. While Ball State scored 14 points to end the game, the Black Knights came up with stops when it counted as they defeated Ball State 33-24.
Ball security was an issue throughout the game, as the constart rain made it difficult for both teams to keep the ball off the ground. Each team recovered a fumble and Army came up with a clutch interception to set up Angel Santiago for a game-sealing touchdown run. A.J. Schurr got the start for Army and scored twice on the ground but struggled throwing the ball. Santiago only completed 2 passes but it didn't matter as Army racked up 236 yards in the first half alone.
Much of the success of Army's run game is due to the re-emergence of Dixon out of the backfield. Ball State struggled containing the rushing attack all day as they surrendered 425 rushing yards. Army seems to have cleaned up their play too as they were only penalized once for 15 yards. The confidence boost from this game should carry over into next week as they host Conference USA doormat Rice.
Player of the Game: Larry Dixon
Dixon's 188 yards was his 9th 100 yard game of his career, which ties him for 7th all-time in Army history with Charlie Jarvis. Dixon has 705 yards on the season and should have another big day next Saturday against Rice.