Week 6 Game Predictions: Northwestern vs. Ball State

Northwestern returns to New Ryan Field on Saturday for its Homecoming matchup against Ball State, looking to improve to 4-1 on the season.

The Wildcats enter as heavy favorites after an impressive 34-13 win over Penn State last week. With plenty of momentum on their side, Northwestern will look to continue its strong start and improve to 2-0 at its new stadium.

Kickoff is scheduled for 11:30 a.m. CT on Big Ten Network.

Here are our predictions for Saturday's matchup.

Northwestern has an opportunity to make another statement Saturday, and I expect the Wildcats to take full advantage of it.

Coming off a dominant performance against Penn State, this team is simply on a different level than Ball State right now. With the excitement surrounding Homecoming and another game at New Ryan Field, I expect Northwestern to come out firing and take control from the opening kickoff.

Chip Kelly's offense has been clicking, and I don't see that slowing down this week. Aidan Chiles and the rest of the offense should have plenty of opportunities to put points on the board, while the defense should make life difficult for the Cardinals.

This should be a game where Northwestern dominates from start to finish, continues stacking points and builds on the winning culture developing at New Ryan Field.

Prediction: Northwestern 42, Ball State 7

Ball State is 0-4 against FBS competition this season, losing by double digits to Ohio State, Liberty, Kent State and Toledo. Northwestern's defense generally allowed Penn State to move the ball last week, but it avoided surrendering big plays and came up with stops when it mattered most.

The Wildcats' offense, on the other hand, has been a juggernaut over the last six quarters — and 10 of the last 12. Northwestern's running game dominated Penn State, and I expect more of the same Saturday.

Ball State ranks 135th in the FBS in rushing defense, allowing an average of 229.8 yards per game. The Cardinals' front seven should have a difficult time containing Northwestern's rushing attack.

I expect the Wildcats to get out to an early lead and cruise to a comfortable victory, improving to 2-0 at New Ryan Field.

Prediction: Northwestern 48, Ball State 7

Ball State doesn't do anything particularly well, as evidenced by its lack of an FBS victory this season. Because of that, I don't expect Northwestern to have much trouble putting the Cardinals away.

That said, a 36-point spread favoring Northwestern against a MAC opponent is pretty significant. Even a program in transition like Ball State deserves more respect than that.

Northwestern is 4-0 against the spread this season, if you're into that sort of thing.

I expect the Wildcats to lean heavily on their running game early, especially after how dominant it looked against Penn State. Once Northwestern builds a comfortable lead, I could see the offense opening things up through the air.

Aidan Chiles should have time in the pocket to make throws, and this is a great opportunity to let him play loose and confidently.

Prediction: Northwestern 45, Ball State 14