Cardinal football fans scored big Thursday with a record-breaking student attendance of 7,885, even though the team itself fell short of winning.
It was the type of turnout that really shows Ball State University students' passion, faith and all-over excitement for being here. It's also the type of turnout that will encourage students to return to future games and bring friends. Fans: keep attending because you made this season opener special.
Whether the football team advanced on-field or scored, or coach Brady Hoke made an apparent bad play call, the teams bonded over the successes and failures.
If Hoke hadn't miscalled the two opportunities for additional points that would have won the game, it would have been an overall great start to the season.
The fans did their part; unfortunately Hoke didn't.
This season has been touted as the one in which Ball State was going to shine. We've got some good players -¡- quarterback Nate Davis (when he doesn't over-throw the ball), defensive end Cortlan Booker, kicker Chris Miller, tight end Darius Hill - who could help lead the Cardinals to a winning season. The team even has possible bowl-potential. Coaching, well, that's an area that needs improvement.
However, as Thursday's game showed, we do have the fan base to increase game and school spirit intensity and to make the games more than an on-field competition. When Cardinal fans come out, we have great off-field cheering and game involvement.
Ball State fans went all out when they headed to Thursday's game. Some created human signs, painting CHIRP and BALL STATE CARDINALS all over their chests and backs. Others had their tailgate parties started only minutes after officials allowed fans onto the tailgate grounds. Thousands wore white tops to support Hoke's request to "white-out" Miami University.
The football team's record for the past few years hasn't been the best in the Mid-American Conference, but, obviously the fans don't care enough to boycott the games. Students: maintain that attitude and make it to every game to cheer the players on.
If that happens, then no matter what, Ball State can still have a strong, memorable football season - if only because of the fans.
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