The Ball State Cardinals play college football in the Mid American Conference. Coached by Brady Hoke, the Cardinals play home games at Scheumann Stadium in Muncie, Indiana.

The Cardinals finished the 2008 season with a perfect 12-0 record and went on to play in the MAC Championship Game, in which they were defeated by the Buffalo Bulls, 42-24.ESPN.com: Four fumbles doom No. 12 Ball State in MAC finale The team was invited to play in the Humanitarian Bowl against the also-undefeated Boise State Broncos, but declined the offer.SI.com: Ball St. Turns Down Humanitarian Bowl The Ball State Cardinals will play the Tulsa Golden Hurricane in the GMAC Bowl on January 6, 2009.ESPN.com: 2008-09 Bowl Schedule On December 15, 2008, head coach Brady Yoke resigned to take a coaching position at San Diego State University.ESPN.com: Ball State: Brady Hoke Resigns for San Diego State Job Offensive coordinator Stan Parrish was officially named the new head coach on December 18, 2008.ESPN.com: Stan Parrish Officially Announced As Ball State's Football Coach

On October 5, 2008, for the first time ever the Cardinals were ranked on the AP College Football Poll, sitting at #25. The Cardinals also set a school record for wins in a season after winning their 11th game on November 19, 2008, against the Central Michigan Chippewas. Ball State is also in first place in the MAC West and secured their place in the MAC title game with win on November 29, 2008, against the Western Michigan Broncos.ESPN.com: Ball St., 11-0, edges Central Michigan to set school record for wins

• 1989 California Bowl: Fresno State 27 - Ball State 6Official Site: Media Guide
• 1993 Las Vegas Bowl: Utah State 42 - Ball State 33Official Site: Media Guide
• 1996 Las Vegas Bowl: Nevada 18 - Ball State 15Official Site: Media Guide
• 2008 International Bowl: Rutgers 52 - Ball State 30Official Site: Media Guide