- Matchup: Sacramento State Hornets vs Ball State Cardinals
- Date: Saturday, October 24, 2026
- Venue: Scheumann Stadium, Muncie, IN
- Broadcast: ESPN+
- Betting Odds: Cardinals favored by 14.5 points
- Total Points Over/Under: 49.5
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The Sacramento State Hornets, holding a record of 1-6 this season, are traveling to Scheumann Stadium on Saturday, October 24, 2026, to face off against the Ball State Cardinals, who currently stand at 2-5. Ball State opens as 14.5-point favorites, with the total points set at 49.5.
Entering this match, the Sacramento State Hornets are struggling with a 1-6 record. In their most recent game against the Ohio Bobcats, the Hornets faced a heavy defeat, ending the contest 48-7. On defense, they allowed 265 rushing yards on 42 attempts, resulting in an average of 6.3 yards per carry. Their pass defense permitted 15 completions out of 22 attempts for a total of 203 yards, leading to a completion percentage of 68.2%. The offense managed 52 plays which accumulated 267 total yards, balanced out by 26 rushing attempts gaining 127 yards—averaging 4.9 yards per rush.
When it comes to scoring, the Sacramento State Hornets are averaging 15.0 points per game. The team’s ground game yields an average of 107.6 yards, placing them 126th nationally. Overall, they have accumulated a total of 2,119 yards this season, with 7 passing touchdowns and 4 rushing touchdowns. Additionally, Sacramento State has earned 125 first downs and faced 54 penalties totaling 540 yards, while turning the ball over 13 times.
On defense, the Hornets rank 125th in college football for points allowed, giving up 32.7 points per game. Opponents gain an average of 4.9 yards per rushing attempt, averaging 176.1 rushing yards per game, translating to 1,233 rushing yards allowed over 7 games. In passing defense, they’ve conceded 1,322 yards, positioning them 61st in D-1 with 188.9 passing yards allowed per game and a completion rate of 68.6%. Overall, they allow 365.0 yards per game, ranking them 80th nationally, with 8 passing touchdowns and 19 rushing touchdowns conceded.
The Cardinals, entering this game with a record of 2-5, recently achieved a narrow victory, defeating the Bowling Green Falcons 32-31. They excelled in their rushing game, averaging 5.7 yards per carry and accumulating a total of 240 rushing yards from 42 carries. The offense produced 435 yards from 66 plays, averaging 6.6 yards per play. However, their pass defense struggled, with a completion rate of 70.8%, yielding 215 yards on 17 out of 24 attempts. Defensively, they gave up 98 rushing yards on 35 attempts, averaging 2.8 yards per rush.
The Ball State Cardinals rank 119th nationally in scoring, averaging 20.3 points per game. They also average 326.1 total yards per game, placing them 118th in the country. However, they have committed 57 penalties resulting in 492 yards, ranking them 11th in terms of self-inflicted setbacks. The Cardinals have thrown 4 interceptions and lost 3 fumbles, totaling 128 first downs this season. In passing, they have gained 1,336 yards, averaging 190.9 passing yards per game, which ranks 108th in college football. On the ground, they manage 135.3 rushing yards per game with a total of 947 rushing yards this season.
Defensively, Ball State has allowed 1,411 rushing yards (201.6 yards per game) and 15 rushing touchdowns this season. They have also given up 17 touchdowns through the air and allow an average of 243.7 passing yards per game, which ranks them 112th in D-1. Overall, they have surrendered 265 points this year. With a total of 1 fumble recovered and 4 interceptions this season, the Cardinals’ defense has been on the field for 468 plays, ranking them 117th in college football. Their defensive struggles have resulted in an average of 37.9 points allowed per game, placing them 135th nationally.
Who will emerge victorious in tonight’s Hornets/Cardinals college football matchup against the spread?
Prediction: Take the Hornets +14.5
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