The all-time series between Ball State and Indiana is a short one, consisting of just five games, all played in the last 14 years. Because the history between the two teams is so short, it has been possible for Joey Lynch to be deeply involved in all of the games, first as the coach's son, then as the starting quarterback, back to coach's son again and now, finally as an assistant coach.
Lynch will again be on the sidelines Saturday night when the Cardinals open the season against the Hoosiers at Lucas Oil Stadium, this time as Ball State's tight ends coach. Though he was offensive coordinator at Division II Ashland when Ball State rolled into Bloomington in 2008 and beat Indiana, coached by his father Bill, 42-20, Lynch may understand the importance of this game better than any other Cardinal.
"I think it's a rivalry that, in my opinion, I wish we played every year," he said. "Just as a kid growing up in the state of Indiana and loving football, that's always a game that I would look forward to and I'm sure there's a lot of kids in the state that feel the same way."
Indiana and Ball State have not played since 2008, leaving the Hoosiers with a 4-1 advantage in the series.
While new coach Pete Lembo likes the idea of playing Indiana more often, he understands the complex process of creating college football schedules makes it difficult to consistently play the game.
"I think it's important that we play them as another Division I in-state program," Lembo said. "I think it's a good game to play, depending on how everything else falls into place."
Lynch, who is also Ball State's recruiting coordinator, sees Saturday as a big opportunity as the Cardinals construct their 2012 recruiting class. Playing a game in the same venue that will host the Super Bowl in five months is a chance to impress the many recruits expected to be in attendance.
"You're talking about Ball State – a state school, you're talking about Indiana – a state school, and of course you're talking about Lucas Oil – the home of the Colts," Lynch said. "Any kid you talk to is naturally excited about it, and I know a lot of them are going to be at the game."
More than playing the Hoosiers, Lembo prefers to emphasize playing in Lucas Oil, and hopes this won't be a one-time experience for the Cardinals.
"I think playing at Lucas Oil every five years would be a great recruiting tool," he said. "And I think playing Indiana at Lucas Oil – no matter whether it's our home game or their home game – is very meaningful for promoting college football in the state of Indiana."
Lynch also sees the game as something of a celebration of college football in the state, but with his family's history in the rivalry, the bigger picture is overshadowed. His father, Bill, was head coach for both schools and his older brother Billy played at Ball State and was an assistant coach for the Hoosiers.
In 2006, the only time Indiana has visited Scheumann Stadium, Lynch threw for 246 yards and three touchdowns, almost leading Ball State to an upset with his father and brother on the visiting sideline. But the Hoosiers mounted a second half comeback and won 24-23.
Saturday won't have the vibe of a family reunion as Bill was fired after last year after four seasons as head coach and Billy is now wide receivers coach at Rice. Even without the added intrigue of personal connections, Lynch remains excited about the renewal of the rivalry.
"Two new staffs, the excitement is going to be unbelievable," Lynch said. "It's going to be a great game, and they're going to be ready to go and I think we're going to be ready to go.
"I think it's going to be quite a show."
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