Ball State football won its first homecoming game since 2019 with a 24-17 victory over Central Michigan (4-4, 2-2 MAC). The Cardinals (2-6, 1-3 MAC) have 10 days off before their next game, a ‘Midweek MACtion” contest against Bowling Green (4-4, 2-2 MAC) Wednesday, Nov. 1 at a time yet to be announced.
Ball State falls to Buffalo in five sets, marking their second loss in the MAC.
Coming off of a close last-minute loss against Toledo, Ball State was a 5.5-point underdog coming into the game today against Central Michigan. Here are three takeaways from the first Ball State FBS win since Nov. 1, 2022.
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Overall, the Cardinals record now stands at 12-9, with their MAC record dropping to 9-1. On the season, Ball State is now 4-4 when playing away from home.
“It has been such a great experience,” senior goaltender Hannah Johnston said. “It is so much bigger than the sport. I think a lot of people look at it as four years of your time then you are done but I think it is so monumental, the people you meet from all across the world and the friendships you make.”
“Age is just a number in football because you can be playing with someone when you’re younger; you can be 18 and they can be 22,” Sape said. “It’s always good seeing them come back and show support and try to get a win for them because they laid the groundwork for where our program is today.”
Ball State lost its match against Northern Illinois 1-0, and the Cardinals MAC record now sits at 5-1-3 and 7-6-3 overall. Ball State returns home Sunday, Oct. 22 at 2 p.m. to play Bowling Green (7-5-2, 5-1-2 MAC).
As far as what Central Michigan brings, Neu is focused on preparing for the defensive effort, accrediting their depth and experience in the defensive line and linebackers. On the flip side of the ball, Neu said it is going to be a challenge to stop the Central Michigan redshirt sophomore quarterback Jase Bauer who is a dual-threat quarterback.
For some, sports are just a game, but for others, there is a much deeper meaning to why they play. Muncie Central quarterback Leo Boyd is one who has deeper motivation and inspiration to play the game.
The Cardinals swept the Rockets by leaning on serving and defense, extending a streak of success against their conference foe. Ball State next takes on Buffalo (17-4, 7-2 MAC) at 6 p.m. Friday, Oct. 20, and at 4 p.m. Saturday, Oct. 21.
The Everett Buick GMC Classic showcased a similar story for Ball State that has played out many times throughout the fall season. Like a nova, the Cardinals got hot between the first and second rounds as they quickly improved their collective score before fading out in the final round.
After dropping three games in a row, Ball State Football faces Toledo for their MAC home opener.
This draw brings Ball State's overall record to 7-5-3 and their Mid-American Conference (MAC) record to 5-0-3. They still remain undefeated in MAC play with three games left in the season.
One shot from senior midfielder Emma Hilton to pull off an upset over Indiana University in a 3-2 shootout. Ball State (6-8, 2-3 MAC) remains at home for a prime conference matchup against Appalachian State (10-4, 4-1 MAC) for Senior Day Oct. 20 at 1 p.m.
