Ball State beats No. 19 San Jose State 34-13 in Arizona Bowl
Ball State quarterback Drew Plitt (9) throws downfield against San Jose State in the first half of the Arizona Bowl NCAA college football game, Thursday, Dec. 31, 2020, in Tucson, Ariz. (AP Photo/Rick Scuteri)
TUCSON, Ariz. (AP) — Antonio Phillips returned an early interception 53 yards for a touchdown, Drew Plitt accounted for two scores and Ball State beat short-handed No. 19 San Jose State 34-13 in the Arizona Bowl.
San Jose State had to play without its two coordinators and Mountain West Conference player of the year Cade Hall due to COVID-19 and other issues.
The Cardinals took advantage, quick-hitting their way down the field on offense after Phillips’ interception for a 27-0 lead in the first quarter.
The Mid-American champions bogged down in the second half but had four interceptions to win their first bowl game in 10 tries.