Ball State football officially returns this weekend.
The Cardinals are set to kick off the 2025 season on the road at Purdue on Saturday, Aug. 30, at noon (Big Ten Network).
The game will mark the Ball State debut for head coach Mike Uremovich, who was hired in December after former head coach Mike Neu was fired with two games left in the 2024 campaign. Ironically, Uremovich’s first game will come against his alma mater; the Cardinals’ coach graduated from Purdue in 2000.
“It’s unique. My son’s a freshman there, so it’s something we’ve talked about a little bit,” Uremovich said. “But honestly, once you get in there and get ready for warmups, a game’s a game, and you’re going to be focused on the game.”
Ball State is 0-8 all-time against Purdue, last playing against them in 2010. A win would mark the Cardinals’ first win over a Big 10 team since they won three straight against Indiana in 2008, 2011 and 2012.
Here’s our scouting report, as well as a score prediction, for Ball State football at Purdue.
Can Ball State’s offense take advantage of a new-look Purdue defense?
Purdue finds themselves in a similar position to Ball State heading into the 2025 season. Both teams endured brutal 2024 seasons, with Ball State finishing 3-9 and Purdue finishing 1-11. Both teams hired new head coaches, with Uremovich coming to Ball State after three successful seasons at Butler and Purdue hiring Barry Odom away from UNLV. Most importantly, both teams have extremely different rosters from last season after the transfer portal ran its course.
The Boilermakers‘ defense will feature an entirely new starting lineup and a new defensive coordinator — reminiscent of Ball State’s 2024 defense that was among college football’s worst. Purdue did add some experienced and productive players from the portal, though.
Three key defenders followed Odom from UNLV — Mani Powell and Charles Correa at linebacker and Tony Grimes at cornerback. Powell and Correa were both productive tacklers for the Rebels last season, while Grimes is a former five-star prospect who has also spent time at Texas A&M and North Carolina. Auburn transfer TJ Lindsey has also generated a lot of buzz on the interior defensive line and could make things tough for the Cardinals up front.
Purdue added plenty of talent defensively, but Saturday will be their first time playing in a real game together. Uremovich could exploit their inexperience together with some creative play calling, but any potential lapses or miscommunications will need to be taken advantage of by the Cardinals for them to have a chance.
Can the Ball State defense slow down the run?
The biggest question mark with Purdue’s offense is how starting quarterback Ryan Browne has developed as a passer. He appeared in eight games with two starts last season and had his most impressive performance in a 50-49 overtime loss to Illinois, where he threw for 297 yards and three touchdowns while adding 118 rushing yards. Browne has shown flashes, but with only two career starts under his belt, he has plenty still to prove.
One thing that is not in question regarding the Boilers’ offense is their rushing attack. Senior running back Devin Mockobee returns for his fifth season at Purdue under his third different head coach and should lead the team in rushing for the fourth straight season. Browne is also a threat with his legs, and Purdue will surely look to get both of them going in their efforts to establish the run.
Ball State’s coaching staff has talked up the Cardinals’ front seven all offseason, and with such a deep defensive line rotation and an experienced linebacking corps, it’s easy to see why. The Boilermakers will provide this group with a big early-season test, and if they pass, it will be huge for Ball State’s upset bid.
Communication remains key
One of the biggest problems with Ball State’s struggling defense last season was communication. It constantly came up in press conferences following losses but never really seemed to improve, particularly in the passing game, where the Cardinals were burned time and time again. With multiple returning starters and more continuity with the scheme as defensive coordinator Jeff Knowles enters his second season at Ball State, the communication should be considerably cleaner this season.
“Number one focus, for sure, is communication on all ends of the field,” Ball State linebacker Joey Stemler said. “D-line, safeties, linebackers, just want everybody on the same page, knowing the call. If somebody doesn’t get the call, it ultimately falls on me. I’ve been blessed to be the leader of this defense, so I need to make sure everybody gets the call, everybody understands what they’re doing.”
Purdue had the 130th ranked scoring offense last season, but Odom brought in former USC offensive coordinator Josh Henson in an effort to turn that around. Henson hasn’t called plays since the 2015 season at Missouri, so it’s somewhat of a mystery what the Boilers’ offense will look like schematically. Nevertheless, Ball State’s communication will need to show some improvement from last season if they’re going to have a chance.
Ball State football vs Purdue score prediction
Purdue 30, Ball State 20: If there’s only one Power 4 team that Ball State can beat on the road to give Uremovich a win in his debut, it’s probably Purdue. The Boilermakers were the worst P4 team last season, but with plenty of new talent from the portal and a well-respected coach in Odom, it’s hard to imagine they won’t improve. Purdue also plays one of the toughest schedules in the Big 10, so a strong start is imperative for them to avoid a total collapse in conference play. Ball State keeps things interesting early in the game and covers the 18.5-point spread, but Purdue pulls away down the stretch.
Contact Cade Hampton via email at cb*******@************tt.com or on X, formerly known as Twitter, @CadeHamp10.
This article originally appeared on Muncie Star Press: Ball State football vs. Purdue Scouting report, score prediction
