- Matchup: Ball State Cardinals vs Ohio State Buckeyes
- Date: Saturday, September 5, 2026
- Venue: Ohio Stadium, Columbus, OH
- Television: BTN
- Betting Odds: Buckeyes favored by 50.5 points
- Over/Under Total: 56.5 points
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The Ball State Cardinals, who finished last season with a 4-8 record, are set to visit Ohio Stadium on Saturday, September 5, 2026, to take on the Ohio State Buckeyes, who completed their previous season at 12-2. Ball State enters as a significant underdog, facing a daunting 50.5-point spread, with the total score predicted to be 56.5 points.
Last year, the Ball State Cardinals concluded their season with a 4-8 mark, suffering a defeat against the Miami RedHawks in their final outing, losing 45-24. In that game, Ball State ran 59 plays, gaining a total of 280 yards. Their rushing offense managed 103 yards on 36 carries, averaging 2.9 yards per attempt. Defensively, the Cardinals struggled to contain the run, allowing 232 yards on 42 carries, an average of 5.5 yards per rush, while conceding 12 completions on 24 attempts for 226 yards, achieving a 50% completion rate.
Throughout the previous season, Ball State amassed a total of 3,260 yards, scoring 12 touchdowns through the air and 10 on the ground. They turned over the ball 16 times and recorded 178 first downs, incurring 56 penalties totaling 466 yards. The offense averaged 131.8 rushing yards per game, ranking 98th in Division 1, and produced an average of 15.8 points per game.
On the defensive side, the Cardinals ranked 102nd in college football, allowing 29.8 points per game. They permitted an average of 4.7 yards per rush and gave up 178.8 rushing yards per game, accumulating 2,146 rushing yards over the season. In terms of passing, they allowed 2,722 yards, ranking 61st in Division 1, and conceded an average of 226.8 passing yards per game at a 62% completion rate. Overall, they allowed 405.7 yards of offense per game, ranking 104th, with 23 passing touchdowns and 22 rushing touchdowns given up.
Meanwhile, the Ohio State Buckeyes rounded off their season with a strong 12-2 record. Their most recent game ended in a 24-14 defeat against the Miami Hurricanes. The Buckeyes managed only 45 rushing yards on 24 attempts at an average of 1.9 yards per carry. They totaled 332 yards over 59 plays, averaging 5.6 yards per play. Ohio State’s secondary experienced a tough outing, allowing a 73.1% completion rate, giving up 138 yards on 19 completions out of 26 attempts. They also conceded 153 yards on 37 carries, averaging 4.1 yards per rush.
The Buckeyes showcased an impressive offensive season, ranking 21st nationally with an average of 33.4 points per game. With an average of 422.6 yards per game, they placed 26th in Division 1. Ohio State’s offense earned 545 yards in penalties over 57 infractions, ranking 122nd nationally in discipline. They threw 8 interceptions and allowed opponents to recover 3 fumbles while achieving 316 first downs. Last season, Ohio State recorded 3,755 passing yards, averaging 268.2 yards per game, ranking 23rd.
On defense, Ohio State allowed a mere 1,252 rushing yards (89.4 yards per game) and 6 rushing touchdowns throughout the last season. The Buckeyes conceded only 7 touchdown passes and managed to limit opponents to 129.7 passing yards per game, securing a first-place ranking in college football. Overall, they allowed just 130 points last season, recovering 7 fumbles and securing 8 interceptions. Their defense participated in 767 plays, ranking them 10th in Division 1, allowing only 9.3 points per game, which led the nation.
Who will emerge victorious in this Cardinals vs. Buckeyes college football showdown against the spread?
Expert’s Pick: Take the Cardinals +50.5
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