Ball State ready for a challenge

MUNCIE — If Ball State’s football team were to look in a mirror, the image it would see might resemble that of Eastern Michigan. If the Eagles gandered into a mirror, under the right light, they might think they’re Ball State.

The similarities between both football teams are striking. In 2009, they combined for two victories (both by the Cardinals). In 2010, they combined for six wins. Last year, both knocked on the door of a bowl opportunity and finished tied for fourth place in the Mid-America Conference West Division race with 4-4 records.

The past three times they played each other resulted in the closest of games.

In 2009 at Eastern Michigan, Ball State pulled out a 29-27 victory. Eastern beat Ball State 41-38 in overtime in 2010 at Scheumann Stadium when it scored a touchdown on the contest’s final possession. Last year, the Cardinals won 33-31 on Steven Schott’s 44-yard field goal with nine seconds left in the game at Ypsilanti, Mich.

Close? These programs are nearly identical in their level of ability and desire to push forward and threaten the top teams in the West Division.

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