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Notre Dame Football: Key Defensive Matchups vs. Ball State

By Jack Leniart

MUNCIE, IN - AUGUST 30: Riley Neal #15 of the Ball State Cardinals passes the ball during the game against the Central Connecticut State Blue Devils on August 30, 2018 in Muncie, Indiana. (Photo by Bobby Ellis/Getty Images)
MUNCIE, IN - AUGUST 30: Riley Neal #15 of the Ball State Cardinals passes the ball during the game against the Central Connecticut State Blue Devils on August 30, 2018 in Muncie, Indiana. (Photo by Bobby Ellis/Getty Images) /
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MUNCIE, IN – AUGUST 30: Justin Hall #12 of the Ball State Cardinals runs with the ball after making a catch in the second quarter during the game against the Central Connecticut State Blue Devils on August 30, 2018 in Muncie, Indiana. (Photo by Bobby Ellis/Getty Images) /

Justin Hall and Yo’Heinz Tyler vs Notre Dame Secondary

Given the mismatch in the trenches and a game score that should have Notre Dame in the lead for the majority of the game, Ball State will probably elect to throw the ball very frequently on Saturday. The Notre Dame defense allowed 249 passing yards against Michigan. This upcoming game gives them an opportunity to clean some things up in pass coverage.

When Riley Neal drops back to pass, Justin Hall should be his top target. Hall was a standout as a freshman and earned all-conference honors in the Mid-American Conference (MAC). He will line up all over the field, and the Cardinals get him the ball a number of different ways. In their season-opener, he caught five passes for 38 yards and had three carries for 19 yards. He was unable to find the endzone, but he had the highest usage rate among Ball State receivers — a trend that should continue throughout the season.

Yo’Heinz Tyler, besides having an amazing first name, appears to be the team’s biggest mismatch at the wide receiver position. He’s stands 6-3 and  weighs190 pounds. If he seems a bit light for his frame, it’s because he is a true freshman. In his first ever collegiate game, Tyler hauled in two catches. Not bad, right? Oh, and those two catches went for 83 yards and two touchdowns. Time will tell if Tyler’s week one performance was a flash in a pan, but he certainly proved he can be a big-play threat.

The Notre Dame defense did a good job limiting the big plays in their first game, but they appeared vulnerable on a couple occasions. If they can do the same on Saturday, they should win comfortably. Ball State doesn’t have the horses to go on long sustained drives. Big plays would be the only thing that could keep the score close.

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