Saturday night's game against Indiana University had almost everything a college football game needs: two talented teams, pageantry and one exciting atmosphere.
The only thing it didn't have arrived in timely fashion.
As the rain started pouring down on Scheumann Stadium it became evident a disappointing outcome would trickle down on the Cardinal faithful in the form of a 24-23 loss to Indiana University.
The loss was a bitter pill to swallow for Cardinal fans and students, who were looking to beat their in-state Big Ten competitor.
"Ball State has kind of been looked at as IU's little brother," fifth-year senior Sean Cahill said. "We've got the same [team] colors, but Ball State students really bleed red, and that's not just because blood is red. A win would [have] given us bragging rights."
Immediately upon arriving at the pre-game tailgate, it was evident the atmosphere wasn't similar to a typical Ball State football game. Because of the short distance, the Hoosiers brought a multitude of fans who were looking to get rowdy.
"There's a little more Ball State fans out here just because of the home field advantage," IU senior Doug Maurer said. "I would have to say there's a good amount of IU fans that made the trip."
"I think this is a huge game," Maurer continued. "The Big Ten season has been such an impossible task for IU to come out with even two or three wins in the season. So the non-conference schedule is by far the most important part of the season."
In stark contrast to the night's ending, the beginning of the game started with the Cardinals running downhill. The Hoosier defense couldn't stop a Ball State offense that was firing on all cylinders, and on the other side of the ball, the Cardinals' defense was shutting down the IU offense.
The momentum was on the home team's side early, and the Ball State student section made it its personal duty to remind the IU contingent they were indeed on the road.
"I've been [attending games] for four years," senior Derek Brewington said. "I've never seen this place this full with everybody going this nuts and nobody leaving at halftime. It's amazing, but we must protect this house."
With the shocking halftime score of 23-7, the Hoosier followers looked like deer in headlights. The morale was definitely dipping in the IU stands.
"I'm not too excited right now," 40-year-old IU fan Bruce Stephens said. "IU is making a lot of mistakes. Ball State is making their own breaks right now. They're just following their game plan."
Even with the dismal conclusion, Brewington said the whole Saturday night experience was fulfilling. After four years, it had been a long time coming for the senior.
"I've been through the losses and the hard times before," Brewington said. "But this is something beyond divine. It's more than just a football game; it's almost like religion. It's almost like having that awesome deep experience. All the fans are going around you, and you're leading the fans in cheers. This is the culmination of my college career right here."
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