Officially established in 2017, the "Redbird Rivalry" featuring Ball State and Miami has recently produced some nail-biting competition, and the 2024 edition of the rivalry proved to be no different. Without question, the most important event on Tuesday, November 5 was the beginning of midweek #MACtion on a very rainy Muncie evening. 

Ball State entered the matchup with urgency for multiple reasons. For one, at 3-5, their chances at reaching a bowl game would take a significant boost with a victory over a team tied for first in the MAC standings. A loss would mean that the Cardinals would have to win their next three games in order to go bowling. For another, Ball State was looking to snap a four-game losing streak in the rivalry with all four losses coming in single-possession fashion.

Meanwhile, the defending MAC champions were looking to improve on a three-game win streak. After a brutal non-conference slate that featured games against Northwestern, Cincinnati, and Notre Dame, the Miami RedHawks had finally found their footing and, perhaps most importantly, oft-injured quarterback Brett Gabbert was still healthy and as eager to zing the ball all over the field as ever.

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Both Miami and Ball State lean on the passing game and any thought that the teams would be shy to air out the football was quickly put to rest when the RedHawks opened the game with three straight passes. Granted, those first plays didn't lead to success and Miami quickly punted the ball to Ball State. However, an ill-advised sidearm throw by Cardinal quarterback Kadin Semonza ended up in the hands of the opposition, who took over in excellent field position.

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Despite the early adversity, the Ball State defense stood strong and Brandon Berger laid a huge hit on third and short to force a punt. Berger wasn't done. The Miami punt was dropped, perhaps due to the precipitation. Punter Alex Bevelhimer, an All-American last season, attempted to be a hero but instead hurled the ball directly into the arms of Berger who ran the length of the field for the first score of the game. Ball State not only had the lead but massive momentum.

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However, this is where Miami and head coach Chuck Martin, the winningest coach in program history, were able to rely on the veteran gunslinger Brett Gabbert. The sixth-year senior engineered a beautiful drive that culminated in a Reggie Virgil 34 yard touchdown pass.

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Undaunted by the quick response, the Ball State offense turned to the ground game and smashed their way inside the 10 yard line. Star tight end Tanner Koziol made a couple of nifty catches along the way, but the Cardinals stalled out and had to settle for a field goal. Miami engineered another string of plays that covered the length of the field and finished with Kevin Davis receiving a screen pass and scampering to the corner of the end zone to give the RedHawks their first lead at 14-10.

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Kadin Semonza had clearly shaken off any ill-affects from the interception on the opening drive of the game and threw a pair of dazzling passes to Justin Bowick including a 57 yard bomb. Bowick was tackled shy of the goal line, and the Cardinals again could not muster the strength needed for six and settled for their second field goal in a goal-to-go situation. 

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Brett Gabbert's turn. He sliced through the defense with precision, zipping the ball out of his right arm quickly, giving the Ball State defense little time to pressure him. A few players later and with Reggie Virgil already with 100+ yards in the first half, the RedHawks struck again on a Javon Tracy touchdown from Gabbert. The RedHawks took a 21-13 lead into halftime after Semonza was picked off on the hail mary attempt.

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Ball State clearly made defensive adjustments in the second half that paid off, and Kadin Semonza hit Justin Bowick over the top for a 55 yard touchdown. A two point conversion later, and the game was tied at 21 a-piece. Was an upset brewing in Muncie? 

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The rain, which had stopped falling in the third quarter was quickly becoming a downpour in the final period. Miami's defense and special teams led them to a MAC championship last season armed with players like Matt Salopek, and it was those two units who finally put the Cardinals away. Two Dom Dzioban field goals in the fourth quarter proved to be the difference while the RedHawk defense completely stymied Semonza and the Ball State offense. Semonza had led fourth-quarter comebacks before, but this Tuesday night was not his night and the Cardinals fell, 21-27.

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Mike Neu entered the post-game press conference a few minutes after the final whistle and he didn't hide the emotions of the game. Frankly, he was devastated, and he relayed that his team felt likewise. The locker room was filled with seniors who had one last shot of finally defeating Miami and claiming the Redbird Rivalry trophy, and once again, it just slipped from their grasp. The two field goals in the red zone were killers, and Neu admitted as much. Despite the loss, Justin Bowick posted a ridiculous stat line of 8 receptions for 171 yards and 1 touchdown.

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Ball State now faces the unenviable task of winning three straight games in the topsy-turvy MAC. That journey begins with a road matchup against a Buffalo team eager to play smashmouth football with a strong run game and the nation's leading tackler in linebacker Shaun Dolac. Meanwhile, the Miami RedHawks improve to 4-1 in the conference and they have posted a remarkable record of 19-5 in the month of November since 2016. They'll try to continue building momentum against a beleaguered Kent State team that hasn't held a lead this season, much less won a game.

2024 Ball State Team Preview