Opening the season with a conference game is a rarity in college football.
However, because of the bevy of Mid-American Conference teams playing non-conference games in November, the MAC office had no choice but to schedule Eastern Michigan University and Ball State University to open the season against each other.
While most coaches would prefer a chance to work out some of the team's problems during the non-conference schedule, Ball State coach Brady Hoke said he is embracing it.
"I kind of like it to be honest with you," he said. "I think it really focused our guys all summer long. We've got to pay attention to details and really work hard to execute that first time out."
The last time Ball State opened its season with a MAC game was 1997, when the Cardinals suffered a 27-10 setback to Miami University. Eastern Michigan opened its 2004 season against the University at Buffalo, defeating the Bulls 37-34.
Starting the season on a Thursday night is nothing new for either squad. This will be the third straight Thursday season opener for the Eagles, while for Ball State it'll be the third time in four years. Eastern Michigan coach Jeff Genyk said the situation is very unusual, but good for both teams.
"It's a nice thing because you start camp two days earlier, and then you get a little break afterwards," Genyk said on MAC Media Day. "You get a little Friday-Saturday break in there, so it's like a mini bye week. It's helpful for both teams."
Ball State senior quarterback Joey Lynch said it's a unique situation for him and his teammates.
"Your goal is to win the conference and be MAC champions," he said. "Normally, the non-conference games get you ready for the MAC season. This year, we're starting right off the bat with a West [Division] opponent. So it's a little bit different."
Ball State is 33-41-6 lifetime in season openers. However, The Cardinals have only won two of their last 15. In 1995, Ball State defeated Miami 17-15 and in 2003 the Cardinals handed Indiana State University a 31-7 loss.
In a 27-year stretch from 1952 to 1978, Ball State was a blistering 21-3-3 in season openers, but in the 27 years since they are 7-20.
In the past two seasons, Ball State has opened up with Boston College and the University of Iowa. Hoke said the quality of the opponent would be the best indicator on how he prefers to open the season.
"It depends who you're playing in that non-conference game," he said. "I also like starting the season with a conference game. Probably more fortunate that it's a home game than an away game."
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