MUNCIE, Ind. — Ball State University is gearing up to celebrate its 98th homecoming game, welcoming the Akron Zips to Scheumann Stadium this Saturday. The Cardinals are looking to extend their homecoming winning streak to four games, a feat they haven’t accomplished since a seven-year stretch from 1992 to 1998. Their current three-game homecoming success is their longest since winning three consecutive contests from 2000 to 2002.
A victory against Akron would not only solidify this streak but also mark Ball State’s first three-game home winning streak since 2022. During that previous successful run, the Cardinals secured victories against Murray State (31-0), Northern Illinois (44-38), and a homecoming match against UConn (25-21).
Interestingly, the last time Akron played Ball State during homecoming was in 2016, where they took home a 35-25 win. The last meeting overall was in 2021, resulting in a close 31-25 victory for the Cardinals in Akron. The historical rivalry is evenly matched, with both teams sharing a record of 12–12–1 overall. However, the Zips have a slight advantage with a 7–5–1 lead in games played in Muncie, with the last victory for the Cardinals at home against Akron dating back to 2014, when they won 35-21.
As the Cardinals prepare for this eagerly anticipated matchup, fans are encouraged to join in the celebration of school spirit and tradition. Kickoff is set for 3:30 p.m. ET, and the game will be broadcast live on ESPN+ and WLBC 104.1 FM. This homecoming game not only represents an opportunity for the team to reflect on its past successes but also aims to inspire hope for future achievements.