With its 31-27 comeback victory against Central Michigan on Saturday, Ball State placed itself on the cusp of the six wins it needs to become bowl eligible for the first time since 2008.
The Cardinals (5-3) know they are closing in on an important mark, but with seven other Mid-American Conference teams also at .500 or better, they realize it might take more than the minimum of six wins to secure one of the three bowl bids the conference is guaranteed.
"We know that six wins is bowl eligible, so that's kind of been our goal since the beginning of the season," senior wide receiver Briggs Orsbon said. "I think with the way the conference is balanced this season, we might need seven wins to get into a bowl game with the MAC the way that it is. We're not just looking for that sixth win, we're looking to improve every week and make a run at this MAC Championship Game."
Ball State is tied for second in the MAC West with Northern Illinois and Eastern Michigan, one game behind Toledo. But the Cardinals have yet to play any of the other contenders, leaving them in control of their own destiny in the race for the conference title.
"We're just happy to be in the mix," coach Pete Lembo said. "I think the goal of every program, whether it be at the [FBS] level or [FCS] level, is to get close to November and still be playing meaningful football games and we're pleasantly surprised to be in that position right now."
Ball State has not played meaningful football this late in the season in either of the last two years. It has been since 2008 that the Cardinals have been able to think about bowl games or the MAC Championship Game.
Ball State hasn't even won three consecutive games since starting 2008 with 12 straight victories. The team hopes to break the three-game streak at Western Michigan on Saturday. The Broncos are the one team left on the Cardinals' schedule that is behind them in the standings.
But Orsbon said Ball State can't afford to take any game for granted as the conference season grinds on.
"Everyone really understands the importance of every week," Orsbon said. "Last week was a big win; this week's going to be a big game. They're just going to increase in importance of our season."
Read More
Capturing The County - Episode 19
By Zach Carter and Adam Altobella / 17 hours agoIn this episode, Zach and Adam discuss the future of the Ball State Daily News and recap the Delaware County sports action from the school year.
Cardinals chase Mid-American Conference crown at 2024 men's golf MAC Championships
By Nick Shelton / YesterdayHeading one hour west to Westfield, Indiana, Ball State will have a chance to redeem last season’s runner-ups with a MAC title. The Cardinals will tee off April 26 to begin their three-day event at Chatham Hills.
Ball State baseball ties with Indiana Hoosiers in extra-inning thriller
By Nick Shelton / 2 days agoThe game, which was forced into extra innings following a late-game collapse by the Cardinals, ended in Ball State tying the Hoosiers 7-7. The game was called due to darkness to give the Cardinals their first tie game of the season.
