What Is 2017 Ball State Cardinals football

Overview

The 2017 Ball State Cardinals football team represented Ball State University during the 2017 NCAA Division I FBS football season. Competing in the Mid-American Conference (MAC) West Division, the team struggled throughout the year, finishing with a 2–10 overall record and a 1–7 mark in conference play.

Under first-year head coach Mike Neu, the Cardinals faced significant challenges on both offense and defense. Despite high hopes for a turnaround season, Ball State ranked near the bottom nationally in several statistical categories, including scoring offense and total defense.

• Record: The team finished with a 2–10 overall record, their worst since 2011, reflecting ongoing rebuilding efforts under new leadership.
• Conference performance: Ball State went 1–7 in MAC play, losing six games by double-digit points and finishing last in the West Division.
• Head coach: Mike Neu, a Ball State alumnus, took over the program in December 2016 and led the team in his inaugural season.
• Home stadium: The Cardinals played all home games at Scheumann Stadium, a 22,500-seat venue located on the university's campus in Muncie, Indiana.
• Scoring: Ball State averaged just 15.8 points per game, ranking 128th out of 130 FBS teams, highlighting offensive inefficiency.

Season Performance

The 2017 season was marked by missed opportunities and defensive breakdowns, despite flashes of improvement. Ball State opened the season with losses to FCS opponent Eastern Kentucky and Power Five team Missouri, setting a difficult tone.

• Season opener: Ball State lost 41–27 to Eastern Kentucky, an FCS team, marking a disappointing start under new coach Mike Neu.
• Non-conference struggles: The Cardinals lost to Missouri (38–21), Eastern Michigan (31–24), and Indiana (52–7), showing difficulty competing with stronger opponents.
• First win: Ball State earned its first victory on October 14, defeating Akron 21–17 in a closely contested MAC matchup.
• Defensive issues: The team allowed 34.5 points per game, ranking 126th nationally, with frequent breakdowns in the secondary.
• Offensive stats: Quarterback Drew Plitt started most games, throwing for 1,569 yards and 10 touchdowns, but with 10 interceptions.
• Final game: The season ended with a 35–21 loss to rival Western Michigan, finishing 2–10 and 1–7 in the MAC.

Comparison at a Glance

Ball State’s 2017 performance compared poorly to both conference peers and national averages across key metrics:

The table illustrates how Ball State lagged behind both national and conference averages in nearly every statistical category. Their low scoring output and porous defense made consistent success difficult, contributing to a last-place finish in the MAC West.

Why It Matters

The 2017 season was a pivotal moment in Ball State’s football history, marking the beginning of a rebuilding era under Mike Neu. While the record was poor, it laid the foundation for future improvements in recruiting, culture, and program stability.

• Coaching transition: Mike Neu’s first season set the tone for a long-term rebuild, emphasizing player development and discipline.
• Recruiting impact: The losing season made recruiting challenging, but the staff focused on securing local Indiana talent.
• Fan engagement: Attendance dipped, but the university maintained support for athletic department upgrades.
• Program trajectory: The 2017 season highlighted systemic issues, leading to increased investment in strength and analytics staff.
• Future success: By 2020, Neu led Ball State to a MAC Championship Game appearance, showing long-term progress.
• Historical context: The 2–10 record tied for the worst in the program since 2011, underscoring the need for change.

Though the 2017 campaign was disappointing, it served as a necessary step in Ball State’s journey toward competitiveness in the MAC, with lessons that shaped future seasons.