It was a moment years in the making.
Ball State made seven trips to bowl season in the past, but no dice. The Cardinals were the only FBS program with zero bowl victories in more than two appearances. In a 2020 pandemic-riddled season that almost didn’t happen, the program took advantage of the opportunity to take the field.
After losing a head-scratcher to the Miami RedHawks to begin the shortened MAC season, the Cardinals re-adjusted their strategy, and reeled off six straight victories, including a triumphant and emphatic victory over a ranked Buffalo squad, to secure the Cardinals’ first MAC championship since 1996.