Posted by: @forum-titan

Have a look at some of their numbers on yardage,  completion rate....

 

https://www.pennlive.com/pennstatefootball/2021/08/penn-state-opponent-preview-ball-state-returns-plenty-of-experience-from-mac-championship-team.html

The thing about Ball State is their competition was below average. All MAC squads, and the best team they played was San Jose State... a team who also didn't really play anyone of significance.

They could be good, who knows.

@roaminglion 

The way I see it, if Ball State is considered a "trap" game for Penn State, then it is going to be a LONG season in Happy Valley! There is absolutely NO reason for Ball State to be in this game with all of the talent Penn State has returning! Even if they start out with a loss vs Wisconsin, there is positively NO excuse for losing to Ball State the following week.  If they start out 0-2, then I am blaming the coaching staff! And quite honestly, they have NO reason to lose to Wisconsin either.  

Sean Clifford can run this offense, he is a competitor and if Yurcich is as good as advertise, their season should rest on the Ohio State game! I think Yurcich has him ready and they beat Wisconsin decisively! I think Penn State is going to average 30+ points per game this year and Southern is going to loose his mind!!!!

GO STATE!!

@mtnittanylion  exactly the way I see it!

I'm pinning my hopes on Clifford & Yurcich.

I agree with you 100% MT...They should beat Wisky in their building by at least 2 touchdowns...They need to play a clean and limit the turnovers...If they go out there and turn the ball over and play sloppy football they are gonna get drilled...I fully expect the defense to keep them in check...First games of the season are always tricky and it usually comes down to the team that protects the football and who is the most prepared is the one who wins...Clifford is a veteran QB now and he really has no excuse to go out there with a deer in the headlights look as we have seen in the past...I fully expect him to utilize his playmakers and to put up points with sustained drives...My expectations of this team are very high...I expect them to be unbeaten heading into the shoe...They certainly have no shortage of talent...