Northwestern (3-0) might not be doing anything pretty, but it’s unbeaten and rolling right along with one of the nation’s top statistical defenses. Ball State (2-1) had its problems with Texas A&M, but it got past the MAC opener at Eastern Michigan last week. Check out the Northwestern vs. Ball State prediction & Preview.

Northwestern vs. Ball State Game Preview

Broadcast

Date: Saturday, September 26
Game Time: 8:00
Venue: Ryan Field, Evanston, Illinois
Network: BTN

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Why You Need To Care

Ball State has the bigger issues – at least in its world – over the next two weeks with make-or-break games against Toledo and Northern Illinois. If the Cardinals want to be the best in the MAC, they need to win those two games, but first they have to try to get the offense going against a Northwestern defense that’s playing at the highest level yet in the Pat Fitzgerald era.

The Wildcats couldn’t ask for a stronger start. The offense might need a little more pizzazz, but they beat the team that beat USC, getting by Stanford in the opener, and then drubbing Eastern Illinois and coming out of Duke with a nice win. Having given up 16 points so far on the year, the team is playing with a massive attitude – and it’s working.

Why Ball State Will Win

Northwestern can’t throw. The passing game was okay against Eastern Illinois, but against the two FBS teams it was painful, throwing for just 105 yards against Stanford and just 70 against Duke, failing to hit 50% of the passes and without any touchdowns. Can the Ball State run defense hold up? Northwestern isn’t going to crank up any big plays, but it’s going to grind away. As long as the Cardinals don’t get gouged up front, they should be able to keep this close.

Why Northwestern Will Win

Ball State might never get the ball. No, the Wildcats don’t do anything fancy, but they’re great at keeping the chains moving and they’re able to hit on third down tries, connecting on 47% on the year and doing a wonderful job in key moments. Ball State’s defense can’t get off the field enough, allowing too many easy second and third down chances. The Wildcats should be able to control the tempo and the game throughout.

Player Who Matters

It takes a special talent to be Pat Fitzgerald’s star linebacker, and sophomore Anthony Walker is quickly growing into the leader of a killer D. The 6-1, 235-pound Miami native is a physical presence with 36 tackles – the No. 2 NU tackler has 17 – coming up with 19 last week against Duke. Fast, active and aggressive, he can get into the backfield and is always around the ball.

What’s Going To Happen?

Northwestern will keep the fun going. The defense will keep the middling Ball State offense in check, while the offense will come up with one of its better passing games yet.

Northwestern vs. Ball State Prediction

Final Score: Northwestern 34, Ball State 10, Line: Northwestern -20, o/u: 50

Must See Rating: 5: 99 Homes – 1: The Intern … 2

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