In a bit of surprising news, the Mid-American Conference has granted Ball State and Miami “protected rivalry” status, according to reports from FBSchedules.com.
Beginning in 2017, Ball State and Miami, OH will return to playing annually. MAC granted them "rivalry status" on the crossover schedule.
— FBSchedules.com (@FBSchedules) November 17, 2016
Ball State and Miami (OH) will name their football contest the 'Red Bird Rivalry' trophy game beginning in 2017.
— FBSchedules.com (@FBSchedules) November 17, 2016
The rivalry between the Ball State Cardinals and the Miami University RedHawks is perhaps one of the more lesser-known of the MAC rivalries, but it does have a fascinating history nonetheless.