The Redbird Rivalry is real, and it’s going to kick off under the weeknight lights, as the Miami RedHawks begin their MAC title defense against the MAC West upstart Ball State Cardinals at 7 p.m. EST tonight.
The RedHawks return a lot of the roster which propelled them to the program’s first MAC title game since 2010 last season, including MAC Freshman Player of the Year QB Brett Gabbert (brother of Blaine) and third-team all-MAC cornerback Emmanuel Rugamba, who returns after previously opting out of the season due to COVID-19.
The Cardinals, meanwhile, have a mix of old and new parts looking to make some noise in a stacked West division, including QB Drew Plitt, RB Caleb Huntley, WR Justin Hall and CB AJ Uzodinma II.