ESPN College Football

MUNCIE, Ind. (AP) -- Will Blackmon returned a kickoff 96 yards for a touchdown to lead Boston College to a 19-11 win over Ball State on Thursday night.

The Eagles passed for 135 yards and rushed for 205, while Ball State managed just 64 yards rushing against the larger Boston College line.

Paul Peterson completed 12-of-23 passes for 135 yards and a touchdown for the Eagles. He also ran five times for 54 yards.

Boston College got 129 yards rushing from redshirt freshman L.V. Whitworth, who scored the final touchdown of the game on a 5-yard run early in the third quarter.

The Cardinals did not score in the second half, despite three fourth-quarter possessions.

"It was a game that we missed some opportunities," Ball State coach Brady Hoke said. "They got a touchdown on a kick return, and late in the game we had it fourth-and-two. You've gotta make that."

Ball State took a 2-0 lead with a safety in the first quarter when Boston College punter Johnny Ayers, kicking from the end zone, dropped the snap and was whistled for intentional grounding while trying to recover the ball.

Brian Jackson kicked field goals from 39, 29 and 26 yards in the first half to pull Ball State within one point at halftime.

"I give Ball State a lot of credit for the way they played tonight," Boston College coach Tom O'Brien said. "We knew it was going to be tough to come over here and play a MAC school. Luckily, we hung in there and won the game."

Jackson made his second field goal with two minutes left in the second quarter but Blackmon returned the ensuing kickoff for a score. Jackson kicked his third with no time left in the half.

The Cardinals' offense struggled in the second half. After gaining 175 yards in the first half, Ball State managed only 36 yards and two first downs after halftime.

"We had opportunities, and we didn't capitalize," said Ball State quarterback Joey Lynch, who completed 19-of-32 passes for 147 yards. "When you play against any school, you have to score touchdowns. Our job is to get first downs and keep the ball moving, and we could have done that a little better."

The season opener for both teams was the first game played under new permanent lights at Ball State Stadium and attracted a stadium-record 23,718 fans.