Know Your Notre Dame Football Enemy: The Ball State Cardinals
By J.P. Scott
The Notre Dame football team will host Ball State in its second game of the 2018 season. Here’s what you need to know.
Over the next couple of weeks, we are going to take a quick look at all 12 teams on the 2018 Notre Dame football schedule with the intent of familiarizing you with what the Irish are up against.
Next up: The Ball State Cardinals
2017 Synopsis
Ball State had an injury plagued season one year ago. They finished with a record of 2-10, with wins over only UAB and Tennessee Tech. The offense could never get its feet under it, after losing the starting quarterback, running back, leading receiver and two best offensive linemen before conference play began.
Who did they lose?
The biggest loss that will impact how the team performs was Anthony Winbush. He logged 32.5 tackles for loss, 25 sacks and nine forced fumbles during his collegiate career. He signed with the Atlanta Falcons as an undrafted free agent this past Spring.
Who do they return?
The aforementioned runner back — James Gilbert — returns. He hopes to repeat the numbers he put up in 2016 (1,332 rushing yards, 12 touchdowns). Caleb Huntley — the back who replaced Gilbert for most of the season — is also back after putting up 1,006 rushing yards of his own. They also return four offensive linemen with significant starting experience.
Why should Notre Dame be worried?
Ball State is playing with house money in this one — with nothing to lose. They’ll have a decent running game, and that could make it tough to get them off the field in the first half. Regardless of the outcome of the Michigan game the week prior, Notre Dame will likely be feeling some emotional and physical fatigue. Those factors combined could keep this game close in the first half. If the Cardinals enter the second half within striking distance, things could get interesting.
Why should Notre Dame not be worried?
Defensively, Ball State won’t be able to match the speed and physicality of the Irish offense. Notre Dame shouldn’t have much trouble moving the ball up and down the field and scoring points. Even if the Irish don’t jump out to a big lead early, it’s tough to imagine a scenario where they don’t simply wear down the Cardinals on both sides of the ball.
Key Player for Ball State
Riley Neal — The Ball State quarterback will need to be the adult in the huddle and keep his team calm and focused. Most of the players around him have never played in a venue like Notre Dame stadium — and none have faced a team as talented as the Irish. His confidence will be the key to what kind of effort the Cardinals bring to the table on offense. If the Irish start knocking him around, this game will get ugly in a hurry.
Next: Know Your Enemy: Michigan
Key Player for Notre Dame
Brandon Wimbush — Wimbush is the leader and playmaker. He needs to come out — guns blazing — and put this game away early with his athletic ability. Ideally, he is resting for much of the second half. If that’s not the case, the Irish could be in trouble.