Notre Dame Football: Post-spring 2018 game-by-game predictions
By Jacob Wilson
Regardless of what happens in Week 1, Notre Dame will have the ability to regroup and work on some things in their Week 2 matchup with the Ball State Cardinals. With the Cardinals often competing near the bottom of the Mid-American conference, this will be the first time the two teams will meet in each of their respective program histories.
Ball State finished 2-10 in 2017 and 0-8 in conference play. With their only wins coming against UAB and Tennessee Tech, Ball State doesn’t have much of a bid for an upset. However, facing a superior opponent does provide an opportunity for weaker teams to strengthen their fundamentals, so look for the Cardinals to take somewhat of a positive away from this game.
In terms of the Irish’s keys to success, all but a complete meltdown should earn them the win. Wimbush, similarly to his games against Temple and Boston College, will again have the opportunity to bolster his confidence in a game that should provide numerous running lanes. However, we’d like to see more work in the passing game in a contest that should be all but a given.
Final: Ball State 6, Notre Dame 52 (2-0)