Over The Pylon

It would be nice for Ball State to have their bye week after winning their 2nd consecutive game this season, but that, alas, was not in the Cards. Another weekend, another loss, another frustrating game where seemingly everyone has something to complain about. Glimpses of greatness? Of course. Eric Williams was at times a game changer and in charge. Tanner Justice was serviceable. The defense showed marked improvement. But for all those positives, and along with all those moments of excellence, there were moments of frustration, fluke luck, and general crappery that has sort of colored 2009.

Is it the anger of the football Gods after BSU tempted fate by going 12-0 in the regular season of 2008? Perhaps.

Yes, Ball State... I actually do hate you.

Fans could, and some most certainly will, focus on the final score and the record of the Cards which now sits at 1-8. That would certainly be missing the forest because of the trees, as Ball State continues to improve week to week. Improvement in football is often not directly visible by the team’s win total, or the final tally on the scoreboard… this season’s Ball State team is a prime example of that.

This bye week comes at a time when hopefully the team, the staff, and really the fans can take a step back and ready themselves for the final 3 games of the season. Northern Illinois, Central Michigan, and Western Michigan are the three remaining schools on the schedule for 09, and Ball State will be favored in none of those contests. Even many of the most optimistic supporters may very well feel like today was the best remaining chance at a second victory for this season and 1-11 is sort of a foregone conclusion.

On paper, BSU is certainly overmatched against their remaining 3, but stranger things have certainly happened. I simply hope what isn’t lost amongst the uprisings and anger amidst the fans is the improvement that this team has shown, or the copious amounts of talent on the roster that will only get better, older, and more successful as their time in Muncie continues. More tomorrow… for now it’s the hope that Kentucky saves the Saturday.

Filed under: Ball State, MAC |