A 2012 campaign that led to a 9-4 overall record, paired with an appearance in the Beef ‘O’ Brady’s Bowl, has led to some new recognition for the Ball State football team.
Three Cardinals have been named to national award preseason watch lists. Keith Wenning, senior quarter back, is on the Maxwell Award watch list — the award given to the nation’s most outstanding player each year. Jamill Smith, senior wide receiver, is featured on the watch list for the Paul Hornung Award — given to the nation’s most versatile player each season. Zane Fakes has been named to the preseason watch list for the John Mackey Award — given to the nation’s most outstanding tight end.
No Cardinals were named to the watch lists for any of these three awards in 2012. Each of the three nominated players will be important to the Ball State offense next season, a unit that has also gained some attention going into next season.
The College Football Entertainment Index used by SBNation.com took aspects of a football game that most people find fun and entertaining and ranked the Cardinals as the 10th best in the nation to watch in 2013.
