Hungry BSU Football Team Attacks First Camp Practice with Energy

Gallery: (8-4-2020) 2020 Football Camp Opens

MUNCIE, Ind. -- The Ball State football team held its first practice of fall camp Wednesday on an unseasonable cool early-August evening inside Scheumann Stadium.

The temperature dipping into the 60's by the end of the two-hour session, however, was likely the least unusual thing about this camp opener.

There were the health checks upon arrival, entering and exiting the locker room in groups, physically-distanced team meetings conducted outside utilizing the video board, coaches wearing face coverings … even new electronic whistles operated by hand to keep from blowing germs into the air.

But for this 2020 Ball State team, with its sights set high, it was just nice to be back on the field. With no spring practice because of COVID-19, Wednesday marked the Cardinals' first football practice since November.

"What a great feeling to be back out here on the practice field," fifth-year head coach Mike Neu said. "It's been a really long time, obviously … I could see the energy and excitement in the guys' faces even before we started practice. All of those guys are just excited to be back out here doing something that they love, that they're passionate about, being with their brothers."

(taps microphone)

1 ... 2 ... is this on?#1AAT l #DOB pic.twitter.com/EtZ1TgiHkV
— Ball State Football (@BallStateFB) August 6, 2020

Permeating throughout the program this year is a genuine excitement about what the 2020 season could bring. The Cardinals were oh, so close last year, contending for a spot in the MAC Championship game until three November defeats by a combined eight points.

Those losses provided fuel through this especially long offseason. With 16 returning starters -- led by the likes of Manning Award candidate Drew Plitt at quarterback, Maxwell and Doak Walker candidate Caleb Huntley at running back, and Thorpe candidates Antonio Phillips and Amechi Uzodinmah II in the secondary -- this experienced crew is primed to break through.

The new rallying cry: DOB … Detroit or Bust.

"I love this football team," Neu said. "You can see right away the veteran presence show up for practice No. 1, the confidence level, the hunger. We feel very strongly about our depth, the experience on both sides of the ball. They're hungry to play, and I'm anxious to see that through because I believe in this team and I love this group of guys."

After some shuffling to the schedule as leagues adjust their plans for 2020, Ball State is slated to open the season Sept. 12 at Iowa State. Click here for information on football tickets for the upcoming season.

For the most up-to-date news on the Ball State football team, please follow @BallStateSports, @BallStateFB and @BSUCoachNeu.

NOTE: Ball State football practices are currently closed to the public because of COVID-19 restrictions.

Ball State University Athletics

Hungry BSU Football Team Attacks First Camp Practice with Energy

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