When they go well, few things look as cool as a trick play in football. But when they go poorly, few things look as ugly. Ball State attempted a trick play in the season-opening game against Tennessee on Thursday that fell decidedly into the latter category.
On the first play from scrimmage, Ball State attempted to throw Tennessee’s defense off with some ball movement trickery. Quarterback John Paddock took the snap and handed the ball off to running back Carson Steele. Steele then flipped the ball to Jayshon Jackson, who flipped it back to Paddock. The quarterback fired a pass right into the waiting arms of Tamarion McDonald. Unfortunately for Paddock, McDonald plays for Tennessee.
The 2022 college football season could have started better for Ball State. pic.twitter.com/iXaUCS6nDq
— The Comeback (@thecomeback) September 1, 2022
The disastrous trick play caught the attention of college football fans watching the game.
Ball State with new QB on first start: let’s go flea flicker on his first play.
Tennessee: interception then TD on next play.
Lol.
— Mark Burnette (@cakeburn) September 1, 2022
🗣AIN’T NO SMOGGY SMOKE ON ROCKY TOP https://t.co/5jKRybWPzr
— Clay Sauertieg (@ByCSauertieg) September 1, 2022
Lol flea flicker on the first play 😂😂😂 https://t.co/JhVA489Sn8
— Peyton Turnage (@Peyton_Turnage) September 1, 2022
Ball State just opened their season with an end around flea flicker interception. I love football
— Tony Serino (@steelercountry) September 1, 2022
The good news for Ball State is that it wasn’t a pick-six. Still, that should be considered a minor victory at best. One play after the interception, the Volunteers were in the end zone.
Tennessee’s first touchdown of the season comes on the first offensive snap https://t.co/Wjd4yIxhOb
— SEC Mike (@MichaelWBratton) September 1, 2022
The Cardinals continued with their aggressive approach on the next two offensive possessions. Ball State elected to go for it on fourth down twice — with both attempts coming up short. Tennessee cashed in both times to open up a 17-0 lead in the first quarter.
We can appreciate Ball State playing like an underdog with nothing to lose. The early returns, though, have been ugly.
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