“It’s spooky how similar our paths have been,” said Spartan head coach Brent Brennan on Ball State prior to the game. “It’s crazy. Our matchups are really similar.”
Brennan was exactly right. Both teams ended their seasons 7-1, but the Cardinals were the far better team ending their 2020 and ending the Spartans’ perfect record.
Ball State won their first bowl game ever 34-13.
The COVID-related effect strikes
The Spartans most likely knew they would be handicapped soon before the Offerpad Arizona Bowl game took place and it showed.
Key players and coaches were unavailable - from defenders Tre Jenkins to All-American defensive lineman Cade Hall to star receiver Bailey Gaither to key offensive linemen Kyle Hoppe and Tyler Stevens, including the offensive and defensive brain trusts in coordinators Kevin McGiven and Derrick Odum.