MUNCIE, Ind. — For the second straight year, Ball State will need to win its final game of the season in order to become bowl eligible.
The Cardinals (5-6, 3-4 MAC) lost 32-18 against Mid-American Conference East leader Ohio (8-3, 6-1 MAC). It was the same story early for Ball State's offense, which actually showed some life without running back Carson Steele in the second half.
A snowy night in Muncie began with Ball State honoring its seniors. It ended with the Cardinals walking back to the locker room with their third loss in four games. Now, Ball State will need to beat rival Miami (Ohio) on the road next week if it wants to reach bowl eligibility for the third straight season, something which has never been achieved in program history.