 A game that Michigan was expected to win big – and in which it once held a big lead – turned into a surprisingly close affair.The Wolverines' offense uncharacteristically gave up a quick nine points to the Cardinals, coached by future Michigan head coach Brady Hoke, with Hart fumbling out of the Michigan end zone for a safety and Henne throwing an interception that was returned for a touchdown to give Ball State an early 9–7 lead.The Wolverines subsequently controlled the second and third quarters to build a 31–12 lead and seemed well in control of the game.