Ohio Bobcats vs. Ball State Cardinals Picks and Prediction for Saturday, October 4, 2025
Use Code SSWC Ohio Bobcats vs. Ball State Cardinals Picks and Prediction for Saturday, October 4, 2025
Get ready for an interesting Week 6 Mid-American Conference clash as the Ohio Bobcats face off against the Ball State Cardinals in our Bobcats vs. Cardinals prediction. Set to take place at Scheumann Stadium on October 4th at 12:00 PM ET, this game, airing on CBSSN, promises an intriguing matchup with two teams currently in different spots as Ohio is 3-2 (1-0 CUSA) while Ball State is 1-3 (0-0). With these teams looking to step up in this matchup, let's dive into the stats, injuries, and key insights to preview what's in store. Before kickoff: NCAAF predictions for the Ohio Bobcats vs. the Ball State Cardinals in one clean snapshot.
Bobcats Looking Sharp
The Ohio Bobcats are looking to extend their two-game winning streak as they are coming off a 35-20 home win against the Bowling Green Falcons on Saturday. The Bobcats have now won two straight and three of their last four, which includes an impressive win over West Virginia (17-10) on September 6.
They are sitting at 75th in the NCAA with 28.8 points per game scored. Ohio’s offense is led by quarterback Parker Navarro, who has been able to complete 84-of-127 (66.1%) passes for 1,078 yards with eight passing touchdowns and four interceptions to begin the season. He also has been able to run the football as he has 52 rushing attempts for 321 yards (6.2 yards per carry) and two rushing touchdowns. Their total offense stands at 419.4 yards per game (55th in football), with the rushing attack able to get an incredible 200.0 yards (38th). The passing game has been able to supplement the running game with an average of 219.4 yards per game (80th).
Defensively, the Bobcats are giving up 27.2 points per game right now, which is 95th. The team has struggled as they are allowing 410.2 total yards per game (112th), with their ability to stop the run being a massive concern, allowing 5.0 yards per rushing attempt. There needs to be a lot of improvement for the program to get better defensively.
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Injury Report for Ohio
- Wide receiver Kaden Hurst: Undisclosed (Questionable)
- Wide receiver Rashad Perry: Undisclosed (Questionable)
- Defensive lineman Pius Odjugo: Undisclosed (Questionable)
- Cornerback Tony Mathis: Undisclosed (Questionable)
- Wide receiver Max Rodarte: Undisclosed (Questionable)
- Quarterback Jacob Winters: Undisclosed (Questionable)
- Defensive lineman RJ Keuchler: Undisclosed (Questionable)
- Linebacker Jack Fries: Undisclosed (Questionable)
- Wide receiver Eian Pugh: Undisclosed (Questionable)
- Defensive lineman Kaci Seegars: Undisclosed (Questionable)
- Cornerback Ronald Jackson Jr: Undisclosed (Questionable)
Cardinals Looking to Fly
The Ball State Cardinals are looking to get back on track after coming off a 31-25 road loss against the UConn Huskies on Sept. 20. It's been a rough start for the Cardinals, who have just one win and it came against FCS UNH on Sept. 13 (34-29). To their credit, they've also faced two Power 4 teams in Auburn (42-3 loss) and Purdue (31-0 loss).
Their offense has only been able to score 18.5 points per game this year, placing them 130th in college football. Quarterback Kiael Kelly has completed 46-of-71 (64.8%) of his passes for 472 yards with three touchdown passes to two interceptions. He also has 170 rushing yards with a TD. As a team, they are not doing too well moving the ball as they are ranked 132nd nationally in total yards, averaging 272.0 per game. Ball State’s passing offense, which averages 122.8 yards per game, makes the team completely unable to trust throwing the football, as they are 132nd in the sport. The rushing game, going for 149.2 yards per game (82nd nationally), has been able to keep the offense moving a bit.
The Cards’ defense is currently 125th in the sport with 33.2 points allowed per game. They are also allowing way too much offense against them, as they are 121st with 429.2 total yards per game. Their pass defense has been unable to force incompletions as Ball State is 115th in the NCAA, as they are allowing the opposition to complete 66.4% of their pass attempts.
Injury Report for Ball State
- Linebacker Caden Johnson: Undisclosed (Questionable)
- Linebacker Micah Wing: Undisclosed (Questionable)
- Cornerback Jahmad Harmon: Undisclosed (Questionable)
- Cornerback Jalon Jones: Undisclosed (Questionable)
- Defensive tackle Khristian Zachary: Undisclosed (Questionable)
Ohio Bobcats vs. Ball State Cardinals Pick
Spread Pick for Ohio Bobcats vs. Ball State
- Ohio Bobcats -14.5 (4 units)
This game opened with a 16.5-point spread and is clearly the better team in this matchup. Quarterback Parker Navarro has been looking sharp throughout the season, and he has as many passing touchdowns as Ball State has this season. Ball State’s defense has been a concern as they struggle to get stops consistently, so Ohio can build an early lead. All in all, go with the Ohio Bobcats to cover in this game.
Over/Under Pick for Ohio Bobcats vs. Ball State
- Over 51.5 (4 units)
Both teams have been able to move the ball on chunk plays so far this season as Ohio is averaging 6.3 yards per play (46th in the country) while Ball State is recording 5.1 yards per play (111th). Ball State’s offense in the last two games has been able to look completely different, scoring 24.5 points per game in that stretch. Ohio has been a strong offense behind its quarterback, throwing at a great level. The over is 3-2 for the Bobcats, while the Cardinals saw the over go 2-2 right now, so take the over here.
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