They marinated in six consecutive years with a losing record. The last bowl berth transpired in 2013. But regardless of the results in the midst of an extended struggle, there was unwavering belief. Ball State’s program adopted the player-led mantra “Detroit or Bust” when winter workouts commenced in January 2020.
“When our offseason began way back before COVID hit, that was the mindset,” head coach Mike Neu said at MAC Media Day, one week prior to his team’s season opener. “It was very hard for the guys to watch the MAC Championship. They felt we had the tools to be there.