Northwestern Wildcats vs. Ball State: 3 Things to Expect

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Northwestern football is riding plenty of momentum heading into Saturday’s Homecoming matchup against Ball State at New Ryan Field.

The Wildcats are coming off an impressive 34-13 victory over Penn State, improving to 3-1 and delivering a memorable performance in the first game at their new stadium.

Now, Northwestern enters Saturday’s matchup as a massive 36.5-point favorite against a Ball State team that has struggled to a 1-4 start.

While the Wildcats are expected to win comfortably, head coach David Braun and his team cannot afford to overlook their opponent. With another important Big Ten matchup against Michigan State waiting next week, Northwestern has an opportunity to continue improving and build on its impressive start.

Here are three things to expect from Northwestern against Ball State.

1. Chip Kelly and Aidan Chiles Keep Their Foot on the Gas

Northwestern’s offense has been one of the biggest surprises of the early season, and I don’t expect offensive coordinator Chip Kelly to slow things down Saturday.

Even though the Wildcats enter as overwhelming favorites, this is another opportunity for Kelly and quarterback Aidan Chiles to continue building chemistry and developing the offense.

Northwestern has already shown it can win in different ways.

Against Indiana, Chiles threw for 293 yards and two touchdowns while adding another score on the ground. One week later, the Wildcats completely changed their approach, rushing for 413 yards and four touchdowns against Penn State.

Caleb Komolafe and Joseph Himon II combined for 350 rushing yards against the Nittany Lions, showing just how dangerous Northwestern’s running game can be when everything is clicking.

Now, the Wildcats face a Ball State defense allowing 37.8 points and 473.6 total yards per game.

I expect Kelly to continue being creative, getting different playmakers involved and allowing Chiles to build confidence in the passing game.

This is not a game where Northwestern should simply be satisfied with doing enough to win.

The Wildcats have an opportunity to put together another complete offensive performance, continue developing their identity and show that their success through four games is no accident.

2. Another Electric Atmosphere at New Ryan Field

Northwestern could be building something special at New Ryan Field, and Saturday presents another opportunity for the fans to be part of it.

Last week’s stadium opener against Penn State was everything Northwestern could have hoped for. The Wildcats dominated on the field while students and fans created an exciting atmosphere throughout the night.

The Wildcat Wall was packed, the crowd was loud and the energy surrounding the program was unlike what Northwestern fans have been accustomed to seeing in recent years.

Now comes the challenge of keeping that momentum going.

Saturday’s game might not have the same national attention as the Penn State matchup, especially with an 11:30 a.m. kickoff against a struggling Ball State team.

But that should not stop Northwestern fans from showing up.

If the Wildcats want to establish themselves as a true football school and make New Ryan Field one of the toughest places to play in the Big Ten, that atmosphere needs to become a weekly tradition rather than a one-time event.

Homecoming should only add to the excitement, with alumni returning to Evanston and students getting another opportunity to support a team that has given them plenty to celebrate.

I expect another strong showing from the Northwestern faithful.

The Wildcats have already done their part by delivering an impressive start to the season. Now, the students and fans have an opportunity to continue building something special around the program.

3. Northwestern’s Defense Makes Another Statement

Northwestern’s offense has received plenty of attention, but the defense deserves just as much credit for the Wildcats’ early success.

And I expect that unit to continue making life difficult for opposing offenses Saturday.

Against Penn State, Northwestern delivered one of its most impressive defensive performances of the season, holding the Nittany Lions to just 13 points, 291 total yards and 48 rushing yards.

Linebacker Braydon Brus was all over the field, recording nine tackles, a sack, an interception and a pass breakup on his way to earning Big Ten Defensive Player of the Week honors.

Robert Fitzgerald also came away with an interception as Northwestern consistently made things difficult for Penn State.

That is the type of defensive intensity I expect to see again against Ball State.

The Cardinals are averaging just 19.2 points per game, giving Northwestern an opportunity to take control early and force Ball State into difficult situations.

I expect the Wildcats to bring pressure, create turnovers and make it difficult for the Cardinals to establish any offensive rhythm.

But the biggest thing will be avoiding complacency.

Northwestern cannot afford to overlook Ball State simply because it is heavily favored. The Wildcats need to approach Saturday with the same defensive mentality they brought against Penn State.

That means winning at the line of scrimmage, tackling consistently and avoiding unnecessary mistakes.

With Michigan State waiting next week, another dominant defensive performance would be a great way to carry momentum back into Big Ten play.

The Bottom Line

Northwestern has an opportunity to make another statement Saturday, even if the Wildcats are expected to win comfortably.

I expect Kelly and Chiles to keep the offense rolling, another exciting Homecoming atmosphere at New Ryan Field and a defense that continues to prove it can be one of Northwestern’s biggest strengths.

But more importantly, this is a game where the Wildcats need to stay focused and take care of business.

Northwestern has already shown what it can do against quality competition. Now, it needs to show that it can handle being the favorite.

A convincing victory would move the Wildcats to 4-1 and give them even more confidence heading into next week’s road matchup against Michigan State.

Saturday’s game kicks off at 11:30 a.m. CT and will air on Big Ten Network.

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