Muncie, Ind. – Cornerback Randee Drew was especially happy to welcome back Bronko Nagurski candidate Vince Thompson into the lineup Saturday against Ball State. And his play showed it.

Drew, a 5-foot-9 junior, felt a difference with fellow cornerback Thompson in the defensive backfield with him.

“His leadership really helps a lot,” Drew said. “When he’s out there I feel more confident. He’s special and a great leader. We missed him.”

After missing three games with a knee injury, Thompson helped inspire Drew to a well-rounded game.

Drew finished the game with four tackles, a forced fumble and two pass deflections. Possibly his best, but least-memorable, play was in the fourth quarter with 5:47 left in the game.

That’s when Drew stepped in the passing lane of one of Ball State quarterback Talmadge Hill’s passes. Snagging the ball out of the air, Drew went on to run 76 yards up the field before he was greeted by Hill, the unlikeliest of people.

“My main emphasis was to take it to the house and help the team,” Drew said about hoping to return the interception for a touchdown. “I saw the quarterback on the corner of my eye. I thought I was going to time his dive to get in the end zone, but I didn’t and I’m embarrassed about that. I know I’ll be hearing about it all week.”

Drew was tackled six yards shy of the end zone, and the ensuing drive resulted in a 22-yard Steve Azar field goal.

“”His leadership really helps a lot,” Drew said. “When he’s out there I feel more confident. He’s special and a great leader. We missed him.”

After missing three games with a knee injury, Thompson helped inspire Drew to a well-rounded game.

Drew finished the game with four tackles, a forced fumble and two pass deflections. Possibly his best, but least-memorable, play was in the fourth quarter with 5:47 left in the game.

That’s when Drew stepped in the passing lane of one of Ball State quarterback Talmadge Hill’s passes. Snagging the ball out of the air, Drew went on to run 76 yards up the field before he was greeted by Hill, the unlikeliest of people.

“My main emphasis was to take it to the house and help the team,” Drew said about hoping to return the interception for a touchdown. “I saw the quarterback on the corner of my eye. I thought I was going to time his dive to get in the end zone, but I didn’t and I’m embarrassed about that. I know I’ll be hearing about it all week.”

Drew was tackled six yards shy of the end zone, and the ensuing drive resulted in a 22-yard Steve Azar field goal.