We are just a day away from Penn State home opener against the Ball State Cardinals. We have seen several upsets throughout college football, including a few last weekend. Could Penn State be upset at home after taking down Wisconsin last weekend?
Here are the top five reasons why the Ball State Cardinals will pull off the upset.
Stop the Run
Sep 4, 2021; Madison, Wisconsin, USA; Penn State Nittany Lions running back Noah Cain (21) rushes with the football in front of Wisconsin Badgers linebacker Nick Herbig (19) during the fourth quarter at Camp Randall Stadium. Jeff Hanisch-USA TODAY Sports
One of the most crucial reasons why Ball State can potentially pull off the upside is if they stop the run, something that the Badgers did a very nice job of last weekend. It took the Penn State offense until the fourth quarter to slowly start moving their run game. If Ball State does have a big day on their defensive line, they could continue their season undefeated leaving Happy Valley.
Apply Pressure to Sean Clifford
Sep 4, 2021; Madison, Wisconsin, USA; Penn State Nittany Lions quarterback Sean Clifford (14) throws a pass under pressure from Wisconsin Badgers linebacker Noah Burks (41) during the second quarter at Camp Randall Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Jeff Hanisch-USA TODAY Sports
Another reason why Ball State can pull off the upside is if they apply pressure to Sean Clifford. As mentioned, last week’s game was merely a defensive battle. The Badgers’ defense, lead by star linebacker Jack Sanborn, did an impressive job to apply an ample amount of pressure to Sean Clifford. If Ball State can do this and get some creative blitz packages going, their defense is going to have a nice day.
Stop Jahan Dotson
Sep 4, 2021; Madison, Wisconsin, USA; Penn State Nittany Lions wide receiver Jahan Dotson (5) scores a touchdown after catching a pass during the third quarter against the Wisconsin Badgers at Camp Randall Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Jeff Hanisch-USA TODAY Sports
The other big reason would be to stop the passing game, specifically Jahan Dotson. Johnson is an easy sleeper for the 2022 draft. He has everything you want in a wide receiver. He has room to grow, but he does an unbelievable job creating separation and can be dangerous after the catch. If Ball State can stop Dotson, that will be key to helping them sustain their upset.
Get the Passing Game Going
Sep 21, 2019; Raleigh, NC, USA; Ball State Cardinals wide receiver Justin Hall (11) runs after a catch against North Carolina State Wolfpack defensive back Tanner Ingle (10) during the second half at Carter-Finley Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Rob Kinnan-USA TODAY Sports
As mentioned, Ball State likes to pass the ball a lot. However, Penn State’s secondary isn’t going to make that easy. Ball State wide receiver Justin Hall is going to be one of the guys to watch for this matchup. However, if Plitt can really get their passing game going and hot, we could have ourselves a game here at Beaver Stadium, and potentially an upset.
Establish a Run Game
Ball State running back Carson Steele runs past a pair of Western Illinois defenders during their game at Scheumann Stadium Thursday, Sept. 2, 2021. Steele finished the game with 79 rushing yards and his first collegiate touchdown.
The last reason ball state will be Penn State at home is if they efficiently establish their run game. Ball State running backs Carson Steele and Will Jones each had themselves a touchdown in last week’s win over Western Illinois. PJ Mustipher is a game changer on Penn State’s defensive line. However, if Ball State can prevent the Nittany Lions from attacking the run, that will be a key component to helping the Cardinals pull off the upset. This should be a fairly easy win for Penn State at home against Ball State. However, like any other sport, anything can happen.
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