AMHERST, Mass. — Massachusetts ended its four-game losing streak in dramatic fashion Wednesday night, outlasting Ball State 31-30 in overtime after William Watson III delivered the decisive touchdown run.
Watson broke through the Cardinals’ defense for a 13-yard touchdown on UMass’ overtime possession, giving the Minutemen a one-point victory and improving their record to 5-4 overall and 2-3 in Mid-American Conference play.
The game remained undecided until the final moments of regulation. Ball State quarterback Keldric Luster capped a nine-play, 75-yard drive with a 2-yard touchdown run with 25 seconds remaining, tying the contest at 24-24 and sending it into overtime.
Ball State struck first in the extra period when Jalen Bonds powered into the end zone from one yard out. However, Brody Boehm missed the extra point wide left, leaving the Cardinals with a 30-24 lead and opening the door for UMass.
Watson took advantage of the opportunity, scoring on the Minutemen’s ensuing possession. Derek Morris converted the extra point to complete the comeback and secure the 31-30 win.
Watson was instrumental throughout the evening, completing 17 of 25 passes for 302 yards while adding two rushing touchdowns. Just before halftime, he connected with Jabari Lewis on a 64-yard scoring pass that gave Massachusetts a 14-10 advantage.
Watson found the end zone again late in the third quarter, scoring on a 1-yard run with 2:31 remaining to put the Minutemen ahead 21-17.
The Massachusetts offense also received a productive performance from Curtis Kimmons, who rushed for 85 yards. Elijah Faulkner contributed a 1-yard touchdown run as the Minutemen continued to challenge the Ball State defense.
Morris made an important contribution on special teams. After missing a 36-yard field-goal attempt in the opening quarter, he connected from 23 yards in the third before delivering the game-winning extra point in overtime.
Ball State received a strong rushing performance from Bonds, who totaled 132 yards on 17 carries and scored the Cardinals’ first touchdown of overtime. Luster completed 17 of 27 passes for 182 yards and threw a touchdown pass in addition to his late-game rushing score.
Despite rallying to force overtime, Ball State could not overcome the missed extra point, dropping to 3-6 overall and 2-3 in conference play.
For Massachusetts, the victory provided a much-needed breakthrough after four consecutive defeats and kept the Minutemen moving forward in MAC competition.
Up Next:
Ball State returns home next Wednesday to host Buffalo.
UMass travels to face Toledo next Wednesday.
