University of Missouri
Ball State
Tigers Topple Ball State, 41-6
9/7/2002 12:00:00 AM | Football
Sept 7, 2002
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By JIM SUHR
Associated Press Writer
COLUMBIA, Mo. - Quarterback Brad Smith ran for 105 yards, including a 39-yard touchdown scramble, and threw for another score to lead Missouri past Ball State 41-6 Saturday night.
Zack Abron had two of his three short touchdown runs in Missouri's 27-point third quarter. The Tigers, who led just 7-6 at halftime, are 2-0 for just the fourth time since 1983.
Marcus Merriweather led the Cardinals (0-1) with 115 yards on 26 carries.
Missouri, which upset Big Ten champion Illinois last week, forced four fumbles and got two touchdowns off turnovers.
Smith's showing followed his college debut last week, when he ran for 138 yards and passed for 152.
Smith finished with 176 yards on 14-of-27 passing Saturday. On his TD run, Smith skirted the sideline and shook a would-be tackler before reversing field and barreling in for the score.
After a fumble by the Cardinals, Smith's 33-yard pass to Thomson Omboga set up Abron's 3-yard scoring run, sealing a three-play drive that covered 41 yards in just 50 seconds. Mike Matheny missed the extra point, and Missouri led 20-6.
When the Cardinals again fumbled on the next possession, Abron scored from 5 yards out after setting up the TD with a 14-yard run, putting Missouri ahead 27-6.
Late in the third quarter, Smith's 34-yard rollout down the sideline set up his 2-yard scoring pass to Justin Gage, extending the margin to 34-6.
Abron, who finished with 75 yards on 15 carries, and Smith were replaced early in the fourth quarter with Missouri in control.
Talmadge Hill threw for 126 yards on 15-of-20 passing for the Cardinals.
Mike Langford had first-half field goals of 45 and 43 yards, the latter closing the Cardinals to 7-6 with 4:30 left in the second quarter.
Abron's 1-yard touchdown run on Missouri's third possession put the Tigers ahead 7-0 with 2:21 left in the first quarter. Missouri defensive end Antwaun Bynum set up the score by stripping Hill of the ball and recovering the fumble on the Ball State 1. Abron punched it in two plays later.
