I'm glad we're playing an important, challenging game for Homecoming.
Everyone wants an easy win this week. Most teams try to pick the schedule's easiest opponent to ensure alumni go home happy. It would have been logical to schedule Eastern Michigan, a team that hasn't won since November 2008.
But Ball State needs Homecoming's attendance boost Homecoming for its key matchup against Western Michigan.
Last season's Homecoming game against Toledo had 14,140 fans, about 4,000 more than the other five home games averaged. And that was after a demoralizing 0-4 start.
The Cardinals come into Homecoming with momentum. They upset the defending Mid-American Conference champions in convincing fashion, catching the conference's attention. Ball State may not beat the Iowa's of college football, but the Cardinals can certainly succeed in the MAC if they keep playing like they did last week.
The Cardinals need a larger, louder home crowd to cheer them against the Broncos.
This is a Western Michigan team looking for revenge. The Cardinals have beaten the Broncos five of their past six meetings, including last season's win that knocked Western Michigan out of bowl contention. The Broncos would like nothing more than to be Homecoming's spoiler.
That's why I'm glad we can have what is usually our season's biggest crowd today. It won't matter if there are 18,000 or 1,800 fans against the Eagles. Ball State should have no problem with them.
Against Western Michigan, traditionally one of the MAC West's better teams, I'll take all the help our team can get. I'll be disappointed if attendance doesn't easily clear 15,000.
I'm a big believer in the influence the "12th man" can have on a game. I think a noisy stadium throws an opposing team off its game. If Scheumann Stadium can truly "Rock the Red" through its attendance and energy, it will be one extra intangible for this must-win game.
Earlier this week, middle linebacker Travis Freeman talked about how the team is treating every week as a playoff game.
He's right. Today's game will go a long way in deciding the direction this season takes. A win and Ball State should ride a 3-0 MAC record into its next key game against Toledo in two weeks. A loss and the Cardinals are back where they were before last week's upset — adrift in the MAC's mediocrity.
Fans should treat this week as a playoff game as well. Put some extra injury into your cheering. The 2010 season is riding on today.
Wherever you're reading this — at the parade, in your dorm room, the tailgating lot — make it to Scheumann Stadium by noon. If you're already in the stadium, save your voice for when the Broncos have the ball. Remember, 15,000-plus people shouting can be quite the distraction.
Get ready. Get pumped. Get to Scheumann Stadium.
It's game day.
Read More
ALTOBELLA: The NCAA men’s volleyball tournament must expand for the sport’s sake
By Adam Altobella / 3 hours agoFourteen of the 20 teams ranked in the final National Collegiate men’s volleyball poll did not earn a spot in the NCAA tournament field, including Ball State.
Baseball defeats Butler at home
By Staff Reports / 21 hours agoComing off a Mid-American Conference (MAC) series win, Ball State Baseball continued to shine in its mid-week matchup against Butler.
'We're in a really, really good spot:' Ball State softball prepares for the MAC Tournament
By Zach Carter / YesterdayBall State will face Western Michigan in the Cardinals first contest in the Mid-American Conference. The Broncos are the only team the red and black did not face in the regular season.
