The 2016 season started off well for the Ball State Cardinals, as they managed to win 3 out of their 4 non-conference games. Their sole loss was by 10 to a resurgent Indiana team. Then the wheels fell off a bit. They only managed to win one game in the MAC, however they were in most every game.
There are a lot of questions going into 2017. The defense starts an entirely new batch of linebackers, safeties, and is headed by a new coordinator. The offense has to replace their starting receivers. If the new starters step up, it could be a successful season for second year coach Mike Neu.