Thanks to some generous donations by two prominent alums, there will be no shortage of Ball State students at the Redbirds' huge matchup with Northern Illinois on Wednesday.

Michigan Wolverines coach Brady Hoke and sportswriter Jason Whitlock, both of whom played football at Ball State, will each donate $5,000 to help students get to and from Dekalb, Ill. The collective $10,000 donation will cover transportation and two meals for 200 students.

According to the Muncie Star Press, Whitlock called Ball State last week to see how he could help. Upon hearing the idea from school officials, Whitlock called Hoke's wife, Laura, also a Ball State alum. Laura and Brady agreed to match Whitlock's donation. The school will pay for an additional 40 students to attend the trip.


Whitlock's donation included the stipulation that 25 of the seats be saved for journalism students and another 25 saved for members of the Black Student Association.

Ball State and Northern Illinois are both undefeated in the MAC, and the winner of next week's contest will likely advance to the conference championship game.

(H/T to For The Win)