In the dictionary, the word "rut" is defined as "a sunken track or groove made by the passage of vehicles."
For a decade-long stretch, created by the vehicle of its own incompetency, the word defined the position of Ball State's football program. As a new millennium began, the program experienced its darkest period in the midst of a 21-game losing streak that spanned three seasons. The performance was a far cry from resembling a program that won two Mid-American Conference titles during a four-year stretch in the 1990s.
Then, with Brady Hoke's recruiting efforts, the Cardinals finally compiled the talent to clamber out of the hole it dug. Ball State's 7-6 record and bowl appearance last year - yes, a winning record at last - was more than the light at the end of the tunnel. It was the kickoff to the renaissance preceding the dark ages, a rebirth of a program that was previously dormant.
In the wake its most successful season since a Mid-American Conference championship in 1996 - coupled with a cupcake schedule in 2008 - the question that buzzed around the program this offseason is how many of its 12 games it will win.
When asked the question, Brady Hoke chose the route most coaches take and declined to offer a number-specific answer.
"We're looking at playing our best every week," Hoke said. "We want to improve every week when we take the field. You can have all the expectations you want, but unless you prepare each week, you're not going to meet them."
In spite of Hoke's reluctancy to provide a number-specific answer, it's still an interesting topic to closely examine.
The truth is, the Cardinals have the talent to run the table in 2008. The truth also is this is a team that has had the opportunity to make statement wins during the past couple years, only to let a reeling Michigan and Nebraska off the hook. Knowing Ball State's reputation to lose a game or two each season when it has every chance to come out on top, I'm setting the benchmark at 10 wins.
A double-digit win total is the only acceptable scenario for a team that returns each starter from last year's potent offense and more than half of its defensive starters from last year's International Bowl. It's the only acceptable conclusion for a team with five reigning all-MAC first-team players and three players on national award preseason watch lists. Not to mention the extra pop in Hoke's wallet following a 26 percent raise during the 2008 season, another sign of increased expectations.
Looking at the Cardinals' upcoming schedule, which includes a tuneup game for years against Northeastern in the season opener, there are only three games that stand as potential obstacles.
The most difficult contest will come in the second-to-last week of the season, when Ball State travels to Mount Pleasant, Mich., to play the defending MAC champions. Led by first team all-MAC quarterback Dan LeFevour, Central Michigan slaughtered the Cardinals 58-38 last season at Scheumann Stadium. LeFevour is the prototypical quarterback that gives Hoke nightmares - a mobile signal caller with a sufficient arm - and will be more than a handful again for Ball State's defense.
The other two are a home game against Navy and a road contest against Indiana. The Cardinals beat Navy on the road last year, and the Hoosiers are sans NFL draftees James Hardy and Tracy Porter, who tormented Ball State in last year's 38-20 loss.
To reiterate, Ball State has the ability to beat every team on its schedule, including this fearsome trio. In reality, Ball State will drop at least one decision out of this group.
Hoke said the success of the season will hinge on a conference title and a bowl appearance. But 10 wins would be another significant achievement for a program that hasn't reached that total in its 83-year history and hasn't won nine since 1977.
In the dictionary, "rebirth" is defined as "a renaissance." Starting with their season opener, the Cardinals can usher in their football renaissance.
Write to Ryan atrtwood@bsu.edu
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