Ball State’s football Cardinals have been picked by Mid-American Conference (MAC) media outlets to win the MAC football crown for 2021.   The announcement was made Tuesday at Ford Field in Detroit, during the annual MAC Football Media Day.  Ball State garnered 11 first-place votes and 114 total points to keep the MAC’s West Division crown.  Kent State is the pre-season favorite to finish first in the MAC East.

The Cardinals finished the 2020 season with a 5-and-1 MAC record, and a 7-and-1 overall tally, including a win over 19th-ranked San Jose State in the Arizona Bowl.  The Cards ended the 2020 campaign ranked 23rd in the final AP football poll.

10 offensive starters and 10 defensive starters return this season for Ball State.  The Cards also will have 16 “super seniors” coming back, courtesy of an extra year of eligibility granted by the NCAA to student-athletes due to the pandemic.

The Cards start their 2021 season at home in a non-conference game against Western Illinois on Thursday, Sept. 2.  Kickoff at Scheumann Stadium is set for 7:00 p.m.

MAC MEDIA PRE-SEASON VOTES

East Division
1. Kent State (11) – 112 points
2. Ohio (2) – 96 points
3. Miami (5) – 94 points
4. Buffalo (4) – 93 points
5. Akron – 39 points
6. Bowling Green – 28 points

West Division
1. Ball State (11) – 114 points
2. Toledo (7) – 104 points
3. Western Michigan (4) – 103 points
4. Central Michigan – 68 points
5. Eastern Michigan – 44 points
6. Northern Illinois – 29 points