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Tennessee football: Five Ball State Cardinals to watch for against Vols

By Caleb Calhoun

Ball State's Brandon Martin (No. 7) points while on the field during the Red Bird Rivalry game against Miami (Ohio) at Scheumann Stadium Saturday, Oct. 23, 2021.Ballstatevmiami 1
Ball State's Brandon Martin (No. 7) points while on the field during the Red Bird Rivalry game against Miami (Ohio) at Scheumann Stadium Saturday, Oct. 23, 2021.Ballstatevmiami 1 /
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Lots of talent is gone from the Ball State Cardinals team that Tennessee football is set to open the season against on Thursday. Mike Neu is trying to maintain his program’s momentum after winning the MAC in 2020 and reaching a bowl in 2021 despite a 6-7 record, but he’s had to address major parts of his roster this offseason.

Most notable among those departures are quarterback Drew Plitt, leading all-purpose producer Justin Hall, interceptions and tackles leader Jaylin Thomas and tackles for a loss, sacks and solo tackles leader Bryce Cosby. Yes, those losses are significant for the program.

However, as we get set to look at the Ball State players the Vols need to focus on, there is a good bit of returning talent and players getting healthy. As a result, Josh Heupel will still have his hands full in the first game of his second season. Let’s take a look at the five Cardinals Tennessee football needs to focus on.

These are the key Ball State players against the Tennessee football Volunteers.

Ball State freshman running back Carson Steele runs downfield during a game against Western Illinois at Scheumann Stadium Thursday, Sept. 2, 2021.
Ball State freshman running back Carson Steele runs downfield during a game against Western Illinois at Scheumann Stadium Thursday, Sept. 2, 2021. /

5. player. Scouting Report. Pick Analysis. Running back. Sophomore. 2246. Carson Steele

6’1″ 215 pounds

He only averaged just over four and a half yards a carry last year. However, as a true freshman, Carson Steele emerged as a power back. For the year, he had 192 carries for 891 yards and six touchdowns. Also, despite being a power back, he had 12 catches for 157 yards and another touchdown, leading everybody in yards from scrimmage.

Expectations are higher for Steele this year, and he obviously has a great first test against the Vols. You figure he’ll obviously improve from his freshman to sophomore campaign, but UT has some issues to address when stopping the run with Matthew Butler’s departure.

Add in the questions that persist at linebacker, and Steele could give Tennessee football lots of trouble this year. The one thing working in the Vols’ favor is Ball State’s lack of experience at guard, but that doesn’t mean Steele isn’t good enough to offset that. He’s a dangerous player, and the Vols have to keep an eye on him.

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