Ball State vs Ohio State Picks and Prediction for Saturday September 5 2026
Ball State travels to Columbus for an enormous opening-week challenge against No. 1 Ohio State on Saturday, September 5. The Buckeyes are currently favored by 50.5 points after opening around -49.5, while the total is sitting at 56.5. Ohio State should have overwhelming advantages in depth and athleticism, but laying more than seven touchdowns creates an entirely different handicapping question. Get into the action with our free college football picks.
Ball State Gets an Enormous Number
Ball State doesn't have to make this competitive to cash. The Cardinals can lose by seven touchdowns and still cover +50.5.
Their objective has to be shortening the game, avoiding turnovers and finding enough offense to keep Ohio State from covering almost the entire total by itself. Even 7-10 points would have considerable value against this spread.
Ohio State Expected to Dominate
Ohio State begins the season ranked No. 1 and should control virtually every physical aspect of this matchup.
The problem is price. At -50.5, the Buckeyes need something approaching a 56-3 or 59-7 result. Once the game is settled, there is little incentive to expose the primary rotation simply to extend the margin.
Ball State vs Ohio State Picks and Prediction
Pick: Ball State +50.5
Ball State +50.5 is the play. Ohio State should dominate, but we're getting more than seven touchdowns with the underdog. A 49-7 or 52-10 final represents total Buckeyes domination and still cashes Ball State. The market has already climbed through 50, increasing the value on the dog. Take Ball State +50.5.
Pick: Under 56.5
I'll pair the underdog with Under 56.5. Ball State's scoring ceiling is the biggest concern for Over bettors, while Ohio State doesn't necessarily need to score into the 50s. Something around Ohio State 48, Ball State 7 gets us home.
Final Picks: Ball State +50.5 and Under 56.5