Auburn Tigers vs Ball State Cardinals Picks and Predictions September 6th 2025

Auburn vs Ball State Picks and Predictions

The Auburn Tigers return home after a strong road win over Baylor to host the Ball State Cardinals on Saturday. After rushing past a Power 4 opponent, Auburn will look to keep its momentum rolling at Jordan-Hare Stadium.

Head coach Hugh Freeze liked what he saw on the scoreboard—especially the 38-24 result—but admitted there’s work to be done, especially on defense. Auburn allowed 419 yards through the air and multiple big passing plays. Still, timely stops, particularly on downs, allowed the Tigers to stay in control.

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Ball State, meanwhile, is looking to rebound after a 31-0 shutout loss at Purdue. It was a tough debut for new head coach Mike Uremovich, whose team couldn’t find rhythm on either side of the ball.

For updated odds, trends, and betting advice, check out the College Football Picks and NCAAF Odds pages.

Matchup Overview

Auburn ran the ball 52 times for 307 yards in their opener. Jackson Arnold, a dual-threat quarterback and Heisman sleeper, led the way with 137 rushing yards and two touchdowns. He also threw for 108 yards on 11-of-17 passing. Running backs Damari Alston and Jeremiah Cobb combined for 158 yards and two touchdowns of their own.

While the offense was grounded and powerful, the secondary was vulnerable. Baylor had seven plays of 20+ yards through the air and didn’t turn the ball over once.

Ball State’s offensive struggles were glaring in their Week 1 loss. They managed just 203 total yards against Purdue, and quarterback Kiael Kelly had to use his legs often. He ran for 63 yards on 22 carries and completed 10-of-16 passes for 87 yards. While coach Uremovich praised Kelly’s scrambling, it clearly wasn’t the offensive plan.

Statistical Breakdown

What to Watch

The Tigers’ run-heavy approach is their clear identity. With three players getting 16 carries apiece, it’s hard to predict who defenses should focus on. If the offensive line continues to win battles, Auburn could control the pace of this game from start to finish.

Can Ball State Create Offense?

Kiael Kelly is a gamer, but he’ll need more help from the rest of the offense. With only 87 passing yards in the opener, Ball State has to stretch the field and make Auburn’s defense respect the air attack. Otherwise, this game could be decided by halftime.

Defensive Adjustments

Coach Freeze will be watching his secondary closely. After giving up nearly 420 yards through the air, Auburn needs better coverage and pressure. Ball State doesn’t bring the same threats as Baylor, but it’s a good test to tighten up before SEC play.

Expert Prediction and Picks

Auburn is the heavy favorite, and rightfully so. Their rushing attack is dominant, and Ball State didn’t show enough last week to suggest they can hang around for four quarters. Expect the Tigers to run wild again and limit Ball State’s scoring opportunities.

Picks Table

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