Horton’s kickoff return ensures Ball State’s 42-28 win over Akron

MUNCIE, Ind. (AP) — TJ Horton scored on a 90-yard kickoff return to seal Ball State’s 42-28 win over Akron on Saturday.

Kiael Kelly ran for three touchdowns and passed for another with Qua Ashley rushing for 143 yards on 20 carries for the Cardinals (3-4, 2-1 Mid-American Conference).

Horton’s return came after an Akron field goal that had got the Zips within a touchdown with under six minutes remaining.

The Cardinals trailed 15-14 at halftime before Ashley’s 69-yard run gave Ball State the lead for good with 10 minutes left in the third quarter. The Cardinals kept the Zips (2-6, 1-3) at bay with Kelly’s 29-yard touchdown throw to Koby Gross and Kelly’s 1-yard run in the fourth quarter to cap a 75-yard drive.

Ben Finley passed for 291 yards and three touchdowns — two to Israel Polk — for the Zips but was intercepted twice. Jordan Gant had 94 yards rushing.

There was a weather delay midway through the fourth quarter.