An overview of Ball State football and the Cardinals’ journey to becoming 2020 MAC Champions.
Fighting to defend the 2020 Mid-American Conference (MAC) Championship title, the Ball State Football team returned this year for another season.
Winning the 2020 MAC Championship sent the team to the Offerpad Arizona Bowl, where the Cardinals defeated San Jose State and took home the first bowl win in program history.
This was also the first time the Cardinals were ranked nationally in the Football Bowl Subdivision (FBS) for Division I football since 2008, and finished their season ranked 23rd in the final Associated Press poll. Previously, Ball State had competed in nine bowl games, but last year marked the first time they were able to take home the trophy.
As a result of COVID-19, fans were unable to attend games during the 2020 season. This year, fans are welcomed back into Scheumann Stadium to cheer on the Cardinals, including 20 starters from last year’s team that have returned for the 2021 season.
In addition to fans and students coming back this year, Ball State celebrated its 95th homecoming with weekly events and traditions. A full list of homecoming events, such as the food truck festival, talent search, air jam, bed races, and the parade were brought back for students and the university leading up to the homecoming football game that Saturday.
Scheumann Stadium holds years of tradition and history for the university’s fans, alumni, and students.
According to the Ball State athletics website, the stadium is named after former Ball State football player, John B. Scheumann, and his wife, June M. Scheumann, who donated $4 million for renovations to the stadium in 2007. These renovations included new lighting for night games, new turf, new concessions, a larger press box, private luxury suites, and the stadium’s exterior.
With a current record of 5-5 (as of Nov. 14, 2021), Ball State currently ranks third in MAC West. Whether or not the team reclaims their championship title, one thing is for sure — players, students, and fans alike will all gather at Scheumann Stadium to cheer on the Cardinals for years to come.
To stay up to date with Ball State Football, including the rest of the conference season, follow @BallStateFootball on Facebook, and @BallStateFb on Instagram and Twitter.
Sources: Ball State Sports, Ball State Daily News, Ball State Magazine, Ball State Sports
Featured Image: Audrey Freeland and Madison Surface
