- Matchup: Akron Zips vs Ball State Cardinals
- Event Date: Saturday, October 18, 2025
- Venue: Scheumann Stadium, Muncie, IN
- Broadcast: ESPN+
- Betting Line: Cardinals -1.0
- Total Points: 43
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This upcoming showdown at Scheumann Stadium features the Ball State Cardinals (2-4) facing off against the Akron Zips (2-5) on Saturday, October 18, 2025. As per the latest odds, Ball State is favored by 1.0 point, with an over-under set at 43 points.
The Akron Zips enter this contest with a record of 2-5 this season. In their previous outing, they suffered a defeat against the Miami RedHawks, ending with a score of 20-7. Defensively, the Zips allowed 147 rushing yards on 41 carries, averaging 3.6 yards per rush. Through the air, they permitted 14 completions on 26 attempts for a total of 203 yards, translating to a completion rate of 53.8%. Offensively, Akron managed 64 plays but only gained 273 yards overall. Their rushing game tallied 62 yards on 25 attempts, averaging just 2.5 yards per carry.
This season, the Zips have accumulated 2,182 total yards. In terms of scoring, they have recorded 9 passing touchdowns and 4 rushing touchdowns, while turning the ball over 6 times. The team has successfully garnered 121 first downs and has been penalized 38 times for 283 yards. Their rushing performance averages 129.3 yards per game, ranking them 99th in college football. The Akron Zips currently average 16.7 points per game.
On the defensive end, the Zips have allowed 1,779 passing yards, placing them at 130th in the nation. They surrender an average of 254.1 passing yards per game, coupled with a completion percentage of 62.7%. Across the season, they have conceded 438.1 total yards per game, ranking 124th nationally. The Zips have given up 11 passing touchdowns and 13 rushing touchdowns, allowing an average of 4.9 yards per carry and 184.0 rushing yards per game. To date, they have allowed a total of 1,288 rushing yards over 7 games, placing them 101st in Division 1 in terms of team defense, with an alarming average of 29.0 points allowed per game.
The Ball State Cardinals currently hold a 2-4 record for the season. In their last game, they faced a devastating loss to the Western Michigan Broncos, finishing 42-0. The Cardinals’ defense was tested, allowing 44 rushing attempts for 219 yards (5.0 yards per attempt). In their passing defense, they recorded an alarming 82.8% completion rate, yielding 242 yards on 24 of 29 passes completed. On offense, Ball State had a rough outing, generating only 88 yards and running 50 plays, averaging a meager 1.8 yards per play. Their rushing game netted just 20 yards on 27 attempts, averaging 0.7 yards per carry.
On the scoring front, the Cardinals rank 134th in the nation, averaging only 13.7 points per game. Offensively, they average 255.5 yards per game, which places them at 135th in college football. In total, they have encountered 209 yards in penalties due to 26 infractions, ranking 124th in Division 1 in terms of detrimental errors. This season, Ball State has thrown 2 interceptions and lost 4 fumbles, while amassing 84 first downs. They have achieved 744 passing yards, averaging 124.0 yards per game, which ranks them 133rd in the country. Their ground game averages 131.5 yards, accumulating a total of 789 rushing yards so far.
Defensively, Ball State has conceded a total of 1,055 rushing yards (175.8 yards per game) and 13 rushing touchdowns. They have also given up 11 passing touchdowns and allowed 246.8 passing yards per game, placing them at 109th in Division 1. Thus far, they have surrendered a total of 189 points. The Cardinals’ defense has recorded 2 fumble recoveries and 1 interception throughout the season. Over the course of 411 defensive plays, they rank 85th in Division 1, allowing an average of 31.5 points per game, which places them at 118th nationally.
Who will emerge victorious in this Zips/Cardinals NCAA football matchup against the spread?
Prediction: Back the Cardinals -1.0
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