Nothing worked out the way it was supposed to.
After a perfect regular season, Ball State University football fans had high expectations and even higher hopes for the team's post-season games.
It seemed clear to many fans that the Cardinals were capable of putting away victories in the Mid-American Conference Championship Game and a bowl game, especially after 12 wins and a string of broken records throughout the fall.
But perfection didn't happen.
Two embarrassing losses at the season's end left an ugly stain on the record books.
Every possible explanation and excuse for the losses has already been discussed by Cardinal fans, and the debates will continue for a while.
There is no doubt the record-breaking successes of this season were historic, but some fans wonder whether the defeats relegate the season to an overall failure.
Those of us who never expected to see ESPN announcers discuss a nationally ranked Ball State football program will likely always remember the great parts of the season.
But will anybody else?
It took a lot of work to get the Cardinals onto a national stage in the first place. Non-BCS schools just don't get the same recognition as bigger programs for a glut of reasons.
If they wanted a legacy that would be remembered for years across the country, they had to have the perfect season.
As it stands, Ball State will slip back into obscurity for most college football fans.
Time will tell whether future teams will be able to earn national recognition and respect.
But in the meantime, local fans already recognize and respect the Cardinals' effort.
While the broken records, impressive plays and awesome athletes that made this season great are still fresh in fans' memories, they need to do what they can to support the team in upcoming endeavors.
Fan support hardly guarantees any team victories, but it does help boost morale, which any good fan knows can be a powerful force for players.
The Cardinals need a boost more than usual right now, and those of us who are lucky enough to recognize how good this year's team was are just the people to help them out.
Many local fans are going to remember this season forever.
By showing their support in the future, these fans can do their part in making Ball State football into a true legacy program.
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