CFN's Prediction

[HuskerfaninOkieland]

Ball State (2-1) at Nebraska (2-1) 12:30 PM

 

Why to Watch: Nebraska, don't say you haven't been warned. You could lose to Ball State. After the Huskers got their doors blown over by USC in a 49-31 game that wasn't even that close, they have to pick their spirits up off the floor to face a fired up Cardinal team with enough offense to actually waltz into Lincoln and pull this off. With a balanced attack and a decent defense, BSU has gotten out to a 2-1 start after a thrilling overtime win over Navy. Nebraska will be trying to put the pieces together after it saw just how far it has to go to become a true player on a national scale. If this is a focused, fired up team, it it'll win in a blowout. This isn't a focused, fired up team.

 

Why Ball State Might Win: Beyond the obvious letdown from Nebraska, this isn't going to be an intimidated Ball State team. Remember, it almost pulled off the shocking upset last year at Michigan, and it knows it can come into Lincoln and play. The Husker defensive line was exposed by USC against the run, and it's failed to do much of anything to get to the quarterback in the first three games. If Nate Davis gets time, he could be as efficient as any passer the Huskers will face all year.

 

Why Nebraska Might Win: Running the ball on the BSU defensive front won't be a problem. The overall numbers are skewed because of the 521 rushing yards Navy put up last week, but Miami, and to a certain extent, Eastern Michigan, were able to move the ball on the ground. What's the easiest way to get over a hangover? Start pounding, and that's what the Huskers should be able to do from the start. If it comes down to field position, the Huskers could have a huge advantage.

 

Who to Watch: How often are the punters the stars? No, they won't be in this game, either, but they could be the two most effective players on the field. Ball State's Chris Miller is one of the best in the nation, and the type of weapon who could keep the Huskers pinned deep all game long. He averages 46.85 yards per kick, and although he often outkicks his coverage, he also bails the offense out of jams. Nebraska's Dan Titchener has been fantastic so far averaging 42.3 yards per kick. He's not Miller, but he'll be a huge factor.

 

What Will Happen: Ball State will give the Huskers all they can handle. In the end, Nebraska will go on two big drives to put the game away, but for about 50 minutes, Davis and the Cardinals will throw a huge scare into Husker Nation.

 

CFN Prediction: Nebraska 31 ... Ball State 23 ... Line: Nebraska -21.5

 

Must See Rating: (5 Curb Your Enthusiasm - 1 Kid Nation) ... 2.5

[skersOVRsc]

Quick! Everyone panick!.............. F**K Ball State. We win 42-14 with 300 yds rushing, 200 passing and we hold them to 150 rushing and 100 passing because the D will be playing with a renewed intensity.

[DJR313]

Interesting prediction. I think if the Huskers come in focused they will beat the piss out of Ball St. If not, it will turn out much like he has predicted.

[no_name_needed_2001]

That type of game is something we don't need right now.

[papersun87]

Isn't this the same publication that said we'd beat USC last week?

[cmb23]

Interesting prediction. I think if the Huskers come in focused they will beat the piss out of Ball St. If not, it will turn out much like he has predicted.

 

I have to agree. Sounds pretty accurate....

[huskerpower03]

I'm looking to feel a little more optimistic about this team after Saturday.

 

Nebraska wins big going into conference play. But I'm still expecting to lose 1-2 more regular season games down the road.

[melscott62]

its obvious that the coaches are getting ready for this game with the move to practices with full pads.....we will see if the players are. I think they will.

[Offspring2099]

I say we're going to run on them, much like we did with Nevada.

 

 

Why Ball State Might Win: Beyond the obvious letdown from Nebraska, this isn't going to be an intimidated Ball State team. Remember, it almost pulled off the shocking upset last year at Michigan, and it knows it can come into Lincoln and play. The Husker defensive line was exposed by USC against the run, and it's failed to do much of anything to get to the quarterback in the first three games. If Nate Davis gets time, he could be as efficient as any passer the Huskers will face all year.

 

Hehe, Huskers run D was exposed by Wake Forest imo.

[robsker]

I say we're going to run on them, much like we did with Nevada.

 

 

I agree, we will run often. And any success we have will not be predictive. That is, if we roll 300+ running yards on Ball State it does not mean we will be able to run on the B12 defenses (that will remain to be seen). If, on the other hand, we cannot dominate the LOS and run with comparitive ease against Ball State, then you can rest assured guarantee that we will not be able to run on the B12 competition either.

 

So, whenever you play a squad like Ball State only weaknesses can be determined with accuracy --- any success is qualified because when you step up a level (or two -- or three) when you hit B12 competition, what worked against Ball State may not work (it might, but one cannot say with confidence that this is the case).

[cmb23]

I say we're going to run on them, much like we did with Nevada.

 

 

Why Ball State Might Win: Beyond the obvious letdown from Nebraska, this isn't going to be an intimidated Ball State team. Remember, it almost pulled off the shocking upset last year at Michigan, and it knows it can come into Lincoln and play. The Husker defensive line was exposed by USC against the run, and it's failed to do much of anything to get to the quarterback in the first three games. If Nate Davis gets time, he could be as efficient as any passer the Huskers will face all year.

 

Hehe, Huskers run D was exposed by Wake Forest imo.

 

The way the D-line has played, they will be exposed by the St. Mary's Catholic Elementary Girls Hopscotch Team.....better find a fix quick.

[HuskerJosh82]

I agreed with all of it except his score prediction. There is no way that Ball St.'s line manhandles our D-line. They are no where near what USC's o-line is. Nebraska put an ass whoppin on the Cardinals. 52-10.

[I See Red People]

The way the D-line has played, they will be exposed by the St. Mary's Catholic Elementary Girls Hopscotch Team.....better find a fix quick.

 

 

 

 

Don't forget, it is the girls hopscotch "B" team too.

[808Husker in KCMO]

Every one is crazy. Ball State is gonna throw up the Goose Egg against the Huskers.

[kgraham7]

Yes this is the same publication who predicted us to beat USC last week. Just goes to show you how opinions can change after one loss. I appreciate those of you who still feel like we will dominate this game, because IMO we'll be back with a point to make. NEBRASKA 56-10