Auburn takes the field at Jordan-Hare Stadium for the first time in the 2025 college football season as the Tigers host Ball State in a 6:30 p.m. CT matchup on ESPNU.
The Tigers are coming off a momentum-garnering win against Baylor in Waco, Texas, last Friday, as new quarterback Jackson Arnold rushed for 137 yards and two touchdowns, while Damari Alston and Jeremiah Cobb added a score apiece.
Alston will be out against the Cardinals after suffering a minor shoulder injury against the Bears. Auburn is a heavy favorite at 43.5 points, but can't let a letdown happen against Ball State.
Here are our staff's predictions for the Auburn vs. Ball State matchup:
Andrew Hughes
The result is not up for debate here. Auburn will win. Handily. Possibly enough to cover the 40+-point spread most sportsbooks are currently offering. For the non-bettors, Hugh Freeze and Kent Austin have a chance to fully unleash Jackson Arnold in the passing game against a Ball State defense that ceded 311 passing yards to Purdue's QB1, Ryan Browne. There's a good chance Deuce Knight and/or Ashton Daniels get snaps in a game that'll likely be out of reach for the Cardinals by halftime. There won't be much to take from this one when it's all said and done, but it'll be a nice debut for the 2025 newcomers under the lights at Jordan-Hare Stadium.
Score: Auburn 63, Ball State 10
Mary Kate Hughes
With Auburn being a 42.5-point favorite, I believe we'll get to see some of the younger players hit the field for experience in the second half. Hopefully, Damari Alston will have a bit of a break after getting banged up last weekend (update: he will), which would mean more carries for UConn transfer Durell Robinson and true freshman Omar Mabson. Hugh Freeze mentioned last week the Tigers wanted to play freshman safety Anquon Fegans more, but he struggled a little in preparing for Baylor, so I expect we will see him in action with fellow freshman Eric Winters. I also expect the Tigers' passing game to show up a lot more than it did against Baylor, and Cam Coleman, Malcolm Simmons, Eric Singleton and Horatio Fields should be able to add some material to their highlight reels after Saturday's game.
Score: Auburn 62, Ball State 10
Pankti Parmar
Auburn's wide receivers room will be the highlight of the night. Since they didn't get much chance to shine against Dave Aranda's blitzes last week, the Freeze Four would be slinging the ball through the air and putting up a nice passing score. Holding them off would be a real challenge for Mike Uremovich.
The Tigers' defense will also step up its game and not have as many coverage busts as it did against Baylor. Kaiel Kelly and Ball State's offense will need to put up a fight against Auburn's defense to move the needle on the scoreboard.
Most importantly, look out for Rayshawn Pleasant to have another stunning, big touchdown run.
Score: Auburn 40, Ball State 9
Jack Cottrell
Auburn's game against Baylor highlighted Jackson Arnold's confidence as a quarterback and showcased his rushing ability. The Tigers' offensive line was impressive, and, though they didn't appear in many plays, wide receivers Malcolm Simmons, Cam Coleman, and Eric Singleton looked agile. Finally, Freeze's star-studded offense played to its potential.
However, it wasn't all positive. Auburn's secondary struggled against the speed of the Bears' dynamic receivers, allowing Sawyer Robertson to total 419 yards. Further, Arnold failed to prove his passing capabilities--a skill he will need when he faces the Sooners on September 20th.
Ball State is an unimpressive team this year. After falling 31-0 against Purdue, I anticipate the Cardinals struggling to outplay Auburn's talented roster.
Score: Auburn 49, Ball State 7
Brian Stultz
Keep it simple, Auburn. After a much-needed season-opening victory at Baylor, the Tigers face back-to-back cupcakes at home, starting with Ball State. While Damari Alston will be out, the Tigers can still pound the ball on the ground with Jackson Arnold, Jeremiah Cobb and company.
But to those looking for an air show? It's coming on Saturday as well.
Score: Auburn 56, Ball State 10