Devout Cardinals fans who ventured to Toronto in January experienced the foul taste of a bitter defeat.
Ball State University's 52-30 loss to Rutgers University at the International Bowl punctuated - what was the best season we've had in 11 years - with a question. What do they have in them this fall?
Last year's loss was a disappointing end to a season that, by the end, awoke a stagnant sense of school spirit.
It has been more than seven months since. The team has had time to regroup, once again under the strong arm of quarterback Nate Davis, and students have had time for that bad taste to dissipate. At least, it should have because tonight the Cardinals will need the support of the school behind them as they kickoff their first game in what could be a historic season.
With a schedule that could feasibly produce a win total in the double digits, fans can witness a phenomenon that hasn't been seen here in 30 years.
Might as well see the start of it all.
The Cardinals' game against Northeastern, which went 3-8 compared to Rutgers' 8-5 against opponents such as West Virginia and Connecticut universities, will give Ball State the chance to preview what the team is made of this year.
Campus - not to mention ESPN and Sports Illustrated - has been abuzz about the team's potential, but if the stands are empty tonight, what's the point in hyping the game?
If we care about the team as much as we say, then we need to show it by "chirping" so loud the walls of Scheumann Stadium shake.
Ball State has already shown its excitement. University Program Board will greet the team's fans armed with an arsenal of hotdogs. A Board of Trustees member has even donated a $60,000 banner to show some pride.
Come 7 p.m., it'll be time to show yours.
Read More
Three Air Jam teams take home the win
October 12, 2012Nineteen teams shimmied, shook and flipped for a sold out John R. Emens Auditorium on Thursday night during the 25th annual Air Jam.
Bill Clinton Speaks at North Central High School
October 12, 2012Former President's Speech Could Have Effect on State Senate Race
