Ball State Football 2008

My last two posts have been about religion and politics so I thought I should get back some lighter material...so...we'll talk about sports. Specifically, Ball State Football and the upcoming season.

I think it's safe to say that it's been many years since there has been such a high level of excitment surrounding Ball State's football team. This year, by all indications, is shaping up to be one of the best years in Ball States's 82 years of football. After the first bowl appearance in 11 seasons last year and 16 of 22 starters back the Cardinals have extremely high hopes for this coming season.

Here's a look at the schedule and my short breakdown of each game.

A reminder: You can listen to every Ball State football game on 91.3 WCRD or at WCRD.net. I will once again be the voice of the Ball State Cardinals on WCRD so tune in a listen!

2008 Football Schedule and Results

August 28 Northeastern 7:00 PM This is a game BSU should easily win...I'm thinking something like 49-20 or somewhere around there.

September 5 Navy 7:00 PM A very difficult game for the Cardinals. There are rumors that Navy is bring all of the cadets to the game which would negate any home field advantage for the cards. However, Nate Davis and company got it done in Annapolis last season...BSU wins 38-32...and BSU will have 450 yards through the air while Navy has 350 on the ground.

September 13 at Akron TBA This is a somewhat difficult conference opener. Akron is always a solid oppenent and they play well at home. However, the Cards keep it going and move to 3-0 with a 31-17 "W"

September 20 at Indiana TBA Now things get really difficult. Indiana will not be as good as they were last year...However, they'll still be better than Ball State, in Bloomington anyway. Hoosiers hand the Cards their first lose...38-34.

September 27 Kent State TBA Kent State is predicted to be one of the most improved teams in the MAC. They won't improve enough to compete with Ball State in Schuemann Stadium. Ball State rolls...38-14.

October 4 at Toledo 7:00 PM Since this game is on my birthday I can't help but believe the Cards will deliver a gift in the form of a whoppin of the Rockets. Toledo is always very solid and the glass bowl is an awesome place to watch football but on this night it will only be awesome for people wearing Cardinal and White. BSU wins a tight one 28-25.

October 11 at Western Kentucky TBA Western may be in their first full season at the D-1 level but they'll surprise some people. That game will be close in the first half then Ball State will pull away riding the golden arm of Nate Davis. BSU-41 WKU-27

October 25 Eastern Michigan TBA Eastern Michigan will once again be a bad football team. However, this is a trap game for Ball State and it will be a close conetest into the 2nd half. Then Miquale Lewis takes over for Ball State and the Cards roll 38-28.

November 5 Northern Illinois 8:00 PM Northern Illinois was one of the worst teams in the MAC last season and things won't get much better in Dekalb. The Huskies won't enjoy their trip to Muncie because Ball State will poor it on for the ESPN crew in town. BSU-45 NIU-21.

November 11 at Miami (OH) 7:00 PM Miami is a good squad. They're especially good in Oxford. But Ball State will need to repay the Redhawks for the season opener from last year. Ball State wins with a field goal as time expires. BSU-30 Miami-28.

November 19 at Central Michigan 7:00 PM The biggest game of the season for both squads. CMU will come in with a very good record as will Ball State. It's a shoot out featuring the top two QBs in the MAC if not in the entire nation. The weather will be brutal but BSU will hold on for a 44-38 win.

November 25 Western Michigan TBA This game will also be a match-up of teams win solid records. WMU will jump out on the Cards in the season finale and Nate Davis will lead a mighty comeback in what might be his last game in Schuemann Stadium. Final score BSU-31 WMU-30

Ball State finishes regular season at 11-1 ranked 11th in the country.

Ball State will face Bowling Green in the MAC championship...and it will be another offensive showcase. However, Nate Davis will out duel BG QB Tyler Sheehan and deliver the MAC title to Muncie. BSU-49 BG-38

I have no idea about the bowl game!