The Wiz of Odds

Having a Ball in Muncie

Wiz correspondent Greg Laughlin kicked off the season Thursday night in Muncie, Ind., where the hometown Ball State Cardinals played host to North Texas. It was jumping before kickoff and not so much afterward because the Mean Green scored a surprising 20-10 victory.

There are more photos after the jump, and if you want to view the entire album, click here.

Ball State

Quarterback Nate Davis is gone, but running back MiQuale Lewis returns for the Cardinals, who are coming off the best season in team history. Ball State ripped off 12 consecutive victories before losing to Buffalo, 42-24, in the Mid-American title game, then coach Brady Hoke announced he was leaving for San Diego State. Offensive coordinator Stan Parrish took over and the Cardinals were throttled by Tulsa, 45-13, in the GMAC Bowl. Parrish has only 11 starters returning, including four on offense, but a favorable schedule could have Ball State at 3-0 entering a Sept. 26 game at Auburn. Thanks to Molly!

Ball State's GMAC Bowl Bill: $142,398.07

Ball State is the latest Mid-American Conference team to pay a deep price for participating in a bowl game. The school has reported a loss of $142,398.07 for its trip to the GMAC Bowl in Mobile.

Last week, MAC member Northern Illinois reported a loss of $154,125 for its trip to the Independence Bowl in Shreveport. Central Michigan, another conference member, dropped $67,227 on its trip to the Motor City Bowl in nearby Detroit.

Ball State officials are debating the value of intercollegiate athletics.