What Are Auburn’s 3 Keys to Beating Ball State?

For the Auburn Tigers, the upcoming home opener against Ball State is all about Controlled Refinement. Following a Week 1 road victory against Baylor, Hugh Freeze’s squad aims to fine-tune its performance across the board before diving into the SEC gauntlet. As Auburn prepares to host the Ball State Cardinals at Jordan-Hare Stadium on Saturday, September 6, 2025, at 7:30 p.m. ET, the coaching staff is emphasizing three key areas to secure a decisive win and build crucial momentum.

Auburn’s Keys to Victory

Auburn’s strategic approach to beating Ball State involves a multi-faceted plan, focusing on offensive balance, defensive dominance, and disciplined execution. While a win is expected, the coaching staff views this game as a critical opportunity to address areas needing improvement and solidify the team’s identity before facing tougher competition. According to AuburnTigers.com, the team is treating this game with the same intensity and preparation as any SEC matchup.

1. Unlock the Passing Game

While Auburn’s ground game proved highly effective in Week 1, amassing 307 rushing yards, a more consistent passing attack is paramount for long-term success. Quarterback Jackson Arnold, who threw for 108 yards against Baylor, needs to establish a stronger connection with his receiving corps, which includes talented players like Cam Coleman, Malcolm Simmons, and Eric Singleton Jr. As noted by 247 Sports, developing the passing game will prevent defenses from solely focusing on stopping the run, thus opening up more opportunities for Auburn’s potent rushing attack. A balanced offensive approach will force opposing defenses to respect both aspects of Auburn’s attack, preventing them from stacking the box and creating more favorable matchups for both the run and pass.

2. Defensive Line Dominance and Containing Kelly

Auburn’s defensive line drew praise for its ability to control the line of scrimmage in the Baylor game. Maintaining this dominance will be crucial against a Ball State offense that struggled significantly in its opening game against Purdue, managing just 0 points. According to the Ball State University Athletics website, quarterback Kiael Kelly is a mobile threat and the team’s leading rusher, making his containment a top priority for Auburn’s defense. Defensive end Keldric Faulk and others will be tasked with applying consistent pressure and preventing Kelly from extending plays with his legs. Shutting down Kelly’s mobility will disrupt Ball State’s offensive schemes and force them into predictable passing situations, where Auburn’s defense can capitalize. As The War Rapport points out, a strong pass rush is key to disrupting any quarterback, especially one as reliant on his legs as Kelly.

3. Avoiding Complacency and Clean Execution

Head coach Hugh Freeze has repeatedly emphasized the importance of Auburn focusing on its own performance and improvement, regardless of the opponent’s perceived strength. This mindset is critical to avoid complacency against a Ball State team looking to rebound from a tough loss. The Tigers aim to play disciplined football, minimizing penalties, which were an issue in Week 1, and sharpening execution across the board. Special attention will be paid to the defensive secondary, which allowed significant passing yards against Baylor. Staying healthy is also a critical objective in this matchup, particularly with the demanding SEC schedule looming on the horizon. According to Field Level Media, Freeze has been drilling the team on fundamentals and situational awareness throughout the week, reinforcing the need for clean and efficient play.

Impact of the Game

This game serves as a valuable opportunity for Auburn to address early-season issues and build confidence in all areas of its game. For Ball State, it’s a chance to demonstrate resilience against a formidable opponent and potentially cover the point spread, even if a victory is unlikely. As highlighted by Bleacher Nation, the outcome will influence Auburn’s trajectory as they prepare for the remainder of their season, providing valuable insights into the team’s strengths and weaknesses.

Conclusion

The clash between Auburn and Ball State presents a crucial opportunity for the Tigers to solidify their game plan and demonstrate growth following their Week 1 victory. By focusing on developing the passing game, maintaining defensive line control, and avoiding complacency, Auburn can secure a decisive win and gain valuable momentum heading into the heart of their SEC schedule. This game is more than just a home opener; it’s a stepping stone towards achieving their larger season goals.