If you aren't paying attention to the MAC, you’re basically missing out on some of the most chaotic, heart-wrenching football in the country. Honestly, the miami redhawks football vs ball state football matchup is the perfect example of why Mid-American Conference play is so addictive. It’s got a trophy shaped like a bird, a series history that goes back nearly a century, and a tendency to ruin seasons when you least expect it.
Most casual fans focus on the Big Ten or the SEC, but they’ve clearly never spent a Tuesday night in November watching two teams from Ohio and Indiana beat the absolute wheels off each other in 30-degree rain. That is the "Red Bird Rivalry." It isn't just a game; it's a fight for regional pride that usually has massive implications for the conference standings.
The Most Recent Clash and Why It Mattered
Take a look at what happened on November 29, 2025. This wasn't just another game on the schedule. For Miami (OH), it was the final hurdle to clear before punching their ticket to a third consecutive MAC Championship appearance.
The RedHawks didn't just win; they essentially dismantled the Cardinals with a 45-24 victory at Yager Stadium.
Thomas Gotkowski, a redshirt freshman making his first career start, played like a guy who had been there for a decade. He tossed three touchdowns and threw for 226 yards. It was one of those performances where everything just clicks. He found Braylon Isom for two of those scores in the first quarter alone. When a freshman quarterback plays with that kind of "nothing to lose" energy, it’s almost impossible to stop.
Ball State kept it interesting early. Kiael Kelly ripped off a 56-yard run that looked like it might change the momentum, setting up a Jalen Bonds touchdown. But Miami’s depth was too much. Jordan Brunson and D'Shawntae Jones kept the ground game churning, and by the time Jermaine Agee scooped up a fumble for a defensive score late in the fourth, the game was long over.
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Historical Context of the Red Bird Rivalry
You can’t talk about miami redhawks football vs ball state football without acknowledging how lopsided—yet intense—this series has been lately. Miami currently holds a six-game winning streak. They’ve basically owned the Red Bird Trophy since 2020.
But history is a funny thing.
- The First Dance: They first played in 1931. Miami won that one 47-0. Talk about a statement.
- The Trophy Era: The "Red Bird" branding didn't really take hold until the 1970s. It’s a nod to both teams having birds as mascots (the RedHawks and the Cardinals).
- The Ball State Golden Era: The Cardinals have had their moments, like the 55-14 blowout they handed Miami back in 2013.
Currently, the all-time series sits at 25 wins for Miami, 13 for Ball State, and one weird 0-0 tie from 1940. Think about that. Sixty minutes of football and nobody scored a single point. That’s peak 1940s football for you.
Coaching Philosophies: Martin vs. Neu
The sidelines tell a story of two very different paths. Chuck Martin has turned Miami (OH) into the "Cradle of Coaches" standard once again. He’s built a program that thrives on suffocating defense and opportunistic special teams. On the other side, Mike Neu, a former Ball State quarterback himself, has been trying to get the Cardinals back to that 2020 form when they actually won the MAC title.
It’s a gritty matchup.
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Martin’s teams are known for being "boring" in the best way possible. They don't beat themselves. They don't commit stupid penalties. Against Ball State in 2025, they outgained the Cardinals 458 to 280. That’s not luck; that’s a system working exactly how it’s supposed to.
What Most People Get Wrong About This Matchup
There’s a common misconception that because these are "mid-major" schools, the talent level is somehow low. That’s total nonsense.
Look at Nathan Voorhis from Ball State. In 2025, he led the MAC in sacks and earned First Team All-MAC honors. He’s the kind of player who would start on almost any Power 4 roster. The difference in the miami redhawks football vs ball state football game usually isn't the top-tier talent; it's the depth.
Miami has been able to rotate three or four running backs—guys like Brunson, Jones, and Tito Glass—without losing any production. Ball State, while talented at the skill positions with guys like Qua Ashley and Eric Weatherly, has struggled to match that kind of roster-wide consistency over four quarters.
Key Statistics and Trends
If you're looking at this from a betting or purely analytical perspective, there are a few things that stand out over the last few years:
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- The Home Field Advantage: Miami is 14-6-1 at home against the Cardinals. Yager Stadium isn't exactly the Big House, but it’s a tough place to play in November.
- The "Maction" Effect: These games often move from Saturday afternoons to Tuesday or Wednesday nights for TV. This changes the preparation cycle and often leads to more turnovers and "weird" plays.
- The Red Zone Factor: In their most recent meeting, Miami was a perfect 4-for-4 in the red zone. Ball State simply couldn't get the stops when their backs were against the wall.
What's Next for the RedHawks and Cardinals?
The 2025 season ended with Miami heading to Detroit and Ball State finishing 4-8. But in the MAC, the bottom can become the top very quickly.
If you're a fan or a student at either school, the path forward is pretty clear. For Miami, it’s about maintaining this "dynasty" status. They’ve become the team everyone wants to knock off. For Ball State, the focus has to be on the offensive line. You can't let your quarterback get sacked seven times—which is what happened in their last meeting—and expect to win a rivalry game.
Actionable Insights for the Next Season
- Watch the Transfer Portal: Mid-major stars often get "poached" by bigger schools. Keep an eye on whether Miami can retain their young talent like Gotkowski.
- Schedule Matters: If this game lands early in the season, it’s a different beast. In late November, it’s an endurance test.
- Rivalry Recruiting: These two schools often recruit the same kids out of Ohio and Indiana. A six-game winning streak for Miami makes it a lot easier for Chuck Martin to win those recruiting battles.
The next time these two meet, don't just look at the records. Look at the trophy. Look at the weather. And definitely look at the freshman backup quarterback who might just be the next big thing in the MAC.
To keep up with the next chapter of this rivalry, check the official MAC schedule releases in the spring. You’ll want to see if the game stays as a "Mannelly" (Mid-week Maction) or returns to a traditional Saturday slot. Also, follow the local beat writers for the Muncie Star Press and the Journal-News in Hamilton—they usually have the best inside scoop on injuries and roster shifts that the national media misses.