Last season, the Cardinals finished with an 7-1 record in conference play, earning them a spot in the MAC Championship game. Despite a hard fought effort, they fell short to the Buffalo Bulls in a close game. This season, the team is looking to build off of last year’s success and make even more noise in the MAC.
One of the key pieces to the Cardinals’ success is their quarterback Drew Plitt. Plitt is a senior who has been with the team since 2017. He has steadily improved each season, and is now regarded as one of the MAC’s most dynamic quarterbacks. Last season, he threw for over 2,500 yards and 16 touchdowns, and he looks to improve on those numbers this year. Plitt has a great rapport with his receivers, and the Cardinals’ passing attack is one of the most dangerous in the MAC.
In addition to Plitt, the Cardinals have a solid rushing attack led by Will Jones. Jones is a junior who took over the starting running back duties last season, and he did not disappoint. He rushed for 923 yards and nine touchdowns last year, and he looks to be even better this season. Jones is a physical runner who can break tackles and pick up tough yards. His ability to move the chains consistently is an invaluable asset to the Cardinals.
Defensively, the Cardinals are led by senior linebacker Brandon Martin. Martin is a tackling machine who is always around the ball. Last season, he finished with a team-high 93 tackles, including 8.5 tackles for loss. He is a leader both on and off the field, and his presence is felt by everyone on the team.
The Cardinals have a tough schedule this season, including non-conference matchups with Penn State and Wyoming. However, the team is confident that they can compete with anyone. They have a solid nucleus of players who have been with the program for several years, and they are hungry to win a MAC Championship. With Plitt, Jones, and Martin leading the way, the Cardinals are poised to make some noise this season.
Off the field, the Cardinals’ fan base is one of the most passionate in the MAC. The team has a dedicated group of supporters who show up to every home game, rain or shine. They have a reputation for being loud and rowdy, which makes Scheumann Stadium one of the toughest places to play in the conference. The Cardinals’ home opener this season against Western Illinois is sure to be a packed house, and the team is counting on their fans to help them get off to a strong start.
Overall, Ball State Cardinals football is a program on the rise. They have a talented team led by a great coaching staff, and they have a passionate fan base that is behind them every step of the way. The Cardinals have been knocking on the door of a MAC Championship for several years now, and this could be the season that they break through. If Plitt, Jones, and Martin can continue to play at a high level, and if the Cardinals’ defense can step up when it counts, then the team could be holding a championship trophy at the end of the season.