Ball State had a hard time out of the gate against VMI, but it got away
with the 48-36 win it had to have. Now it’s going big game hunting trying to
keep up the pace with a resurging Texas A&M. The Aggies might not have been
explosive, but they were able to slow down a high-powered Arizona State offense
while getting through in a terrific 38-17 win. This is the first meeting
between the two. 

Below we dive into the Texas A&M vs. Ball State prediction and full game preview.

Texas A&M vs. Ball State Prediction & Preview

Broadcast

Date: Saturday, September 12
Game Time: 7:00 ET
Network: ESPNU

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Why You Need To Care

Texas A&M got the big test out of the way, and now it’s time to
adapt and adjust. Ball State is supposed to be a good MAC team, but its defense
is about to deal with an Aggie offense using this game to be sharper and far
better. The same goes for Nevada next week, but for now, the big key will be to
see how the Aggie quarterback situation plays itself out, and if the O can
start to look the part again.  

Why Texas A&M Will Win

The Ball State secondary just allowed 444 passing yards and three scores
with lots and lots of big plays – uh oh. Texas A&M’s passing game didn’t
get rolling like it was supposed to against Arizona State, but this is the
chance to do it. Ball State doesn’t have a pass rush and it doesn’t have the
defensive backfield that can come up with a stop. It’s target practice time for
the Aggies, putting the emphasis all on the quarterback situation.   

Why Ball State Will Win

Beyond being a letdown game for Texas A&M, will the defense have a few problems with the Cardinal offense? The Aggies ramped up the pass rush to a whole other level with nine sacks against the Sun Devils, and Ball State has had a week to figure it out. Phenomenal under head coach Pete Lembo in terms of pass protection, the Cardinals allowed just 12 sacks last year, 16 the year before and 14 in 2012, the program knows how to get the ball out of the quarterbacks’ hands in a hurry.

Player Who Matters

Kyle Allen got the call, and he was okay completing 15-of-26 passes for 198 yards and two scores with a rushing touchdown. He was fine, but he didn’t grab the job fully by the horns in a full-time basis. True freshman Kyler Murray only completed 4-of-9 passes for 49 yards with a pick, but he showed his potential with a great run finishing with 69 yards. They’ll both play against the Cardinals.

What’s Going To Happen?

This is where the Texas A&M offense rolls. The passing game will be unstoppable with the receiving corps doing whatever it wants to.

Texas A&M vs. Ball State Score Prediction

It’s that time, folks. The Texas A&M vs. Ball State prediction is …

Final Score: Texas A&M 52, Ball State 17

MORE: College Football Bowl Projections, Week 1