The Ball State Cardinals opened the season with a solid home victory against Eastern Michigan. I know it didn\u2019t make national headlines from the opening weekend but it gave them a head start towards competing in the MAC. <\/p>\n
Ball State Cardinals (1-0) vs #12 Clemson Tigers (1-0)<\/strong> Matchup<\/a>\u00a0|\u00a0Preview<\/a><\/strong><\/p>\n Ball State<\/strong><\/p>\n Now they journey to South to the Carolinas for the first of three games against BCS conference opponents. \u00a0Clemson is out of their league but their game against Indiana the following week is winnable provided they don\u2019t get too roughed up this week.<\/p>\n It was only Eastern Michigan but the Cardinals have to be happy with what they saw on offense last week. \u00a0They rolled up nearly 600 yards of total offense including a whopping 329 yards on the ground. \u00a0Against EMU they had great balance which is the key to keeping any defense on their toes. \u00a0This is especially true when you are outclassed like they will be against Clemson. \u00a0Sophomore Jahwan Edwards rumbled for 200 yards on 20 carries. \u00a0They might need that again.<\/p>\n Ball State is a big dog for a reason. \u00a0Their best chance is maybe Clemson overlooks them a little bit after a war last week against Auburn. \u00a0I am not sure the Cardinals have enough talent to really make them sweat but it only take a turnover or two to make a big number a losing number. [soliloquy id=”82219″]<\/p>\n Clemson<\/strong><\/p>\n Loved the Tigers vs Tigers matchup last week and for these Tigers to emerge victorious both SU and ATS which they did. \u00a0Clemson is only going to get better as the season progresses too as they get a couple of key players back from suspension and get more comfortable with their new defensive coordinator. \u00a0This team is loaded with talent and the main thing that will hold them back is themselves.<\/p>\n With WR Sammy Watkins out last week DeAndre Hopkins showed that he can be the featured received without the team skipping a beat. \u00a0In fact the whole offense seems to be in pretty good shape as the Tigers put up similar numbers to the Cardinals in their opener but against an SEC defense with a lot of returning starters – 9 if memory serves. \u00a0Running back Andre Ellington also topped 200 yards and when he dominates this team is near impossible to stop.<\/p>\n As someone who generally favours the dogs I get antsy when the numbers begin approaching 4 scores or more. \u00a0You just never know when a team is going to take their foot off the gas plus Dabo Swinney isn\u2019t known for always making the most logical choices in games even when they are close.<\/p>\n
\n Saturday September 8<\/strong>
\n Clemson Memorial Stadium – Clemson, SC<\/strong>
\n 12:30PM<\/strong>
\nMoneyline: \u00a0Clemson -7000, Ball State +3000<\/strong>
\n Spread: \u00a0Clemson -27.5<\/strong>
\n O\/U: \u00a062.5<\/strong><\/p>\n