5 Players to Watch for on Saturday

Which player will you be watching the most on Saturday?

The 2011 home opener is only a few hours away (can't wait any longer!) After their big win on the road at ND, the Bulls open up the first of three home games in a row. Ball State is not a team to take lightly, so the key players will have to step up this weekend and make the big plays and get a solid victory. Here are 5 players I'll be watching that will be key to the success against Ball State.

WR/TE Evan Landi - Landi came up big for the Bulls, making solid grabs and bringing in the deciding touchdown late in the contest. He is a sure handed, big target that always seems to find a spot in the middle of the field. Working out of the tight end spot or at wide receiver, it gives the Bulls a big and reliable target to hit downfield.

S Jerrell Young - Named as Big East defense player of the week, team captain Jerrell Young saved the day twice with the strip and the interception late vs. ND. He continues to progress as an anchor in the secondary, leading both as a vocal leader and by his example on the field. I will look for him to come up big, lay out a few hits and maybe make another highlight play.

DT Elkino Watson - Watson made his first tackle of his young career last week and continues to push McCaskill and Grissom in front of him. Coaches are very high on him and he continues to play at a high level, not at a freshman level. With the rotation of defensive tackles that the Bulls will use against a big Ball State offensive line, he will get his chances to make something happen.

RB Darrell Scott - Now that he has the jitters out of his system, it is time to get the big man running. Scott had a few nice carries (long of 7 yards) against ND. Facing a smaller Ball State defensive line, he should be able to get a few more yards and continue to get more carries on the field. The running overall should be more effective in this game.

P Justin Brockhaus-Kann - Yes, the punter. A few sources are stating this game against Ball State could be a very close one and that is something we have to get ready for. JBK had a few nice kicks against ND, but was not that consistent on others. If the game is close and becomes a game of special teams and field position, the Bulls will need him to sky kicks and pin the Cardinal offense deep.

Like always, every player is key to winning the game, but these names are some of the key points to the contest and should be watched.