On at least three different occasions, Ball State coach Tim Buckley has said, "Kent State is the champ until someone beats them."
He couldn't be more right.
Kent State has won the Mid-American Conference Tournament three of the last four years. In those four years, the Golden Flashes have tallied more wins (100) and conference wins (56) than any other school in the MAC.
Those are just numbers and glaring statistics for the last four years.
Well, this year has been the same ol' story for the MAC's most celebrated team. The Flashes have the MAC's best record - 17-3 overall and 10-2 in conference play.
So Buck's words remain true. They will be the champ until someone beats them.
With that said, Wednesday's game between Ball State (10-11, 5-6) and Kent State is an opportunity for BSU to be at .500 for the first time since the new year. It provides a bit of excitement as the season begins it's final descent to Cleveland (where the MAC tournament is held).
Despite Ball State's record, defeating Kent State would more than send a message out to the rest of the MAC, it would create some excitement for the league as well.
In fact, I feel the game itself is exciting. However, there has been one element missing a good majority of the season.
Before I proceed, let me say the following: I do not write cheerleader columns. I never have and I thought I never would. Until now.
Now back to what I was saying, there has been one thing lacking this year - student support.
Yes, there are always five or six rows of dedicated fans that sit in the front and would cheer on any team wearing Ball State uniforms. Those students are to be commended.
However, last season I can remember the student section reaching to the top row ... not of the red seats, the silver seats.
Tonight, the Cardinals need all the help they can get.
Wednesday's game may be the most important game of the season - for bragging rights, for confidence's sake, for meeting a .500 record, for simply marking a third straight win and so on and so on.
Last season the Golden Flashes rode a pumpkin chariot, becoming America's Cinderella in advancing to the Elite Eight of the NCAA Tournament. They were ranked No. 12 in the final ESPN/USA Today poll.
I realize this is a new season and different team for the Flashes, but for now, it appears they are one their way back to the same place they left off last season.
Tonight, that should change. Tonight should be, and could be Ball State's arrival. The Cardinals have struggled on many levels this season. They have also been successful in many areas, just not at the same time in many cases. Tonight could catapult Ball State forward in the MAC standings, as well as catapult the opinions of the media and other teams in the MAC.
Tonight, Ball State needs you.
After Sunday's game against Miami, Buckley took time to thank the students enthusiasm and encouragement. He followed that up with an "I hope it continues."
Mid-week games such as tonight's are vulnerable to attendance drops. Tonight, do your part and don't let that happen.
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