The Department of Intercollegiate Athletics could hardly have asked for more from the football game against University of Toledo.
Not only did the team secure bowl eligibility, but ESPN's coverage provided what the athletics department needed most - positive national publicity.
The cameras showed a passionate (albeit much too small) crowd, players like Brandon Crawford performing well and shots of Ball State University's campus and Muncie. People across the country saw the positive side of the university and Ball State athletics. Even Tom Collins managed to survive a national televised interview without looking like a complete goofball of an athletic director.
ESPN name-dropped Muncie and used its crew members who were Ball State alums to announce the starting line ups. Of course a sideline interview with David Letterman would have been better, especially because people actually know him and he isn't filming any new shows.
Despite Ball State not being one of the country's best teams, the broadcasters handled the show professionally, minus attempting to interview a stuffed-animal Garfield. Once again, thanks for not showing up, Letterman.
The fans filled up in typical Ball State fashion -ยก- once tailgate closed up, half the crowd came to the game. Even at the crowd's peak, the stands weren't close to full, but most of the fans were decked out with red and white paint all over, Spartan costumes to represent our determination or, of course, the traditional CHIRP painted on fans' chests.
Despite incidents such as waving political signs, most people were positive examples of what Ball State fans are.
Football needed this win, and athletics needed this publicity. Way to go, everyone, for doing your part to show how good Ball State really is. Remember this feeling a week from now. Most likely negative publicity will return with Georgetown and Ronny Thompson's brother, John Thompson III, playing Ball State in Muncie.
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