Over The Pylon

We knew the luck would run out eventually.

Unofficial comic strip of the Mid-American Conference

Under Pete Lembo Ball State has developed a good habit of wining close games. The Cards were 5-1 in games decided by a touchdown or less in 2011 and had two straight close wins against BCS schools in 2012.

It is only natural that a team would find a way to beat Ball State in the final seconds at some point.

It turned out to be Kent State, which is okay. If it was Northern Illinois this weekend then it would be cause for concern.

Alan covered it Sunday as this is nothing more than a speed bump for the Cardinals. The two biggest games of MAC play are coming up. Losses to the Huskies and the Broncos will pretty much cancel out the wins over IU and USF.

The prize is still the MAC West but Ball State must go through the gauntlet of the MAC’s best to get it. It is mind boggling to think but South Florida and Indiana were in a way a soft spot on the schedule.

Four MAC West foes remain with all four of them having a victory against a BCS team. Throw in Ohio, a tough trip to Army, and rivalry game at Miami University and you have a schedule that can turn this season into the trash can fast.

The Cardinals will be at best a slight favorite for any remaining game. Five weeks into the season and we are still where we started. Ball State could finished anywhere from 4-8 to 8-4; just how we all thought it would be at this stage.

That is why this week is so important. To be the champ you have to beat the champ and that still is Northern Illinois. A loss here and Ball State may have to reassess its MAC championship goals.

A speed bump for now and let’s hope it stays that way.

Filed under: BallStateFootball, MAC, Weekend Carnage |