Michigan Football: Breaking down the 2020 Non-conference schedule

September 12th

Dating back to 2014, Ball State has had an annual matchup with a Big Ten school, and since 2014, they’ve lost every time.

It started with Iowa and a 17-13 loss.

And then Northwestern losing 24-19. The Cardinals ended 2015 with a dreadful 3-9 overall record.

Indian won the 2016 contest, 30-20.

2017 saw Illinois with a three-point victory 24-21. This was also another dismal year finishing 2-10.

Back to Indiana for a blow out 38-10, followed up with another loss to the Hoosiers 34-24.

Michigan football didn’t schedule Ball State as a challenge; the Cardinals were scheduled to provide the men with confidence and an easy win before the conference play.

This Ball State isn’t the Ball State of old.

The Cardinals used to garner respect under head coach Brady Hoke until San Diego State stole him in 2007.

Today, they’re a skeleton of their former self. But coach Mike Neu had his winningest season yet in 2019, and they’re returning a dangerous quarterback in Drew Plitt, who threw for 2,917 yards and 24 touchdowns, and a record-setting running back with Caleb Huntley.

On defense, the Cardinals are losing linebacker Jacob White, who led the team in tackles, but Jaylin Thomas and Amechi Uzodinma II will likely fill in the leadership positions. Thomas recorded 97 tackles last year, and Amechi was the top man in the MAC for interceptions.