In a season where uncertainty surrounded college athletics, the Ball State University football team provided all of us a much-needed jolt of energy and reprieve from typical television programming. After a wild finish again Western Michigan, the Cardinals including one of our social work students punched their ticket to the Mid-American Conference (MAC) championship game against previously undefeated Buffalo. Playing in an empty Ford Field in Detroit, the Cardinals clinched their first conference championship since 1996 with a 38–28 victory. The team’s incredible run would not end there. On December 31, the Cardinals defeated 19th ranked San Jose State 34–13 in the Arizona Bowl.
A piece of the football team’s success was running back Tye Evans. In addition to his exceptional athletic ability, he is also a future social worker. In the MAC championship game, Tye led all rushers with 18 carries for 94 yards. He also had a tackle on special teams. In the Arizona Bowl, he had another 6 carries, one reception, and a touchdown. Congratulations to Tye, Coach Mike Neu, and the entire Cardinals football operations on your success and the national attention you brought to the University. Chirp! Chirp!
