ST. PETERSBURG, Fla. (AP) For all Ball State's accomplished in an impressive two-year turnaround under coach Pete Lembo, the Cardinals still don't have a bowl victory.
Blake Bortles threw for three touchdowns and ran for another Saturday to lead Central Florida to a 38-17 victory in the Beef `O' Brady's Bowl on Friday night.
Ball State (9-4) fell to 0-7-1 in bowl appearances, although just getting this far in such a short time with Lembo's guidance gives the Cardinals plenty of hope for the future.