Between the booming fireworks and the victory cheers from fans around Scheumann Stadium, it would be easy to think Ball State had played a perfect game after beating Eastern Michigan 37-26 on Thursday.
If the lack of size at the wide receiver position wasn't a big enough problem, dealing with tall cornerbacks makes the problem worse.
Ball State field hockey coach Beth Maddox said prior to the games, as long as her team competes against Davidson and Louisville, she'd be happy.
Let's pretend that Scheumann Stadium was sold out Thursday night against Eastern Michigan, and there was some consistent noise before, during and after each play.
After its loss to IUPUI on Friday, Ball State coach Craig Roberts said his frustration was at an all-time high with his team's lack of finishing.After its loss to IUPUI on Friday, Ball State coach Craig Roberts said his frustration was at an all-time high with his team's lack of finishing.
The "Dr. Jekyll and Mr. Hyde" type of performances are becoming a bit too common for Ball State.
After playing its best match of the year, Ball State (3-3) fell flat in a 10 a.m. bout with North Texas (6-1) in three sets (25-14, 25-23, 25-20).
This is exactly what this university needed.
With Ball State's issues learning a new rotation and its number of mental lapses this season, its NCAA tournament hopes seemed a little exaggerated.
After each game, coach Craig Roberts takes the Ball State soccer team behind the field hockey field to a small hill surrounded by pine trees to discuss performance in private.
After a slow second quarter that saw a 13-point lead disappear, Ball State coach Pete Lembo needed a fast start to the second half.
The second half started with an Eastern Michigan touchback and with the new rule, the drive started at the 25-yard line.
Three thoughts from Ball State's 37-26 win over Eastern Michigan in the season-opener.
After dominating the second quarter, Ball State failed to convert points in the first drive of the second quarter after Steven Schott missed a 47-yard field goal attempt wide left.
In the Mid-American Conference, it's nearly a must to have a quarterback who has the ability to run the ball. It's no secret that Eastern Michigan quarterback Alex Gillett has the ability.
The last time Ball State opened the season at Scheumann Stadium was in 2010 against Southeast Missouri State when Stan Parish patrolled the sidelines.
It began in March, a new team motto for the 2012 season.
After a 1-1 start to her team's season, Ball State field hockey coach Beth Maddox said her young team will need to incur growing pains before achieving greatness.
Ball State's four set loss to IPFW was the first since 2007, but the matches were never easy for Ball State.
When Ball State travels to Indianapolis this weekend, it will be the last tune up before the team enters its most grueling part of the schedule.
