After the 7-1 finish, Ball State’s first MAC Championship in over 20 years, and the program’s first ever bowl victory, expectations are now jet-fueled.

A dominant first quarter was just about all Ball State needed on New Year’s Eve, as it took down No. 19 San Jose State, 34-13.

The Ball State Cardinals look to make history once again on New Year’s Eve in the Arizona Bowl vs. No. 19 San Jose State (7-0).

Ball State Football has its sights set on making Cardinals’ history in another way when the clock hits zero.

The senior from Loveland, Ohio contributed all four of Ball State’s offensive touchdowns, with three through the air and one on the ground, to go along with 273 yards on 20 for 32 passing.

Ball State head coach Mike Neu instilled in his team long ago that just making it to Detroit was not good enough. He wanted his team to go in Friday night and finish the job that had been in the works for the previous 12 months.

There’s been no larger game for the Ball State Cardinals than tonight’s MAC Championship. With dueling five-game win streaks, the Cardinals have a shot at their first MAC title since 1996.

Friday’s meeting at Ford Field will be the 12th all-time meeting between the two schools. The Cardinals own a 9-2 lead, but are 0-1 on a neutral field — 2008 in Detroit.