Ball State (1-3) vs Western Michigan (1-3)
Game Info: Saturday, October 5, 2024 at 2:00 pm (Scheumann Stadium)
Betting Odds: Ball State +9.5 / Western Michigan -9.5 --- Over/Under: 56.5 Click Here for the Latest Odds
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In this article, we will formulate a Western Michigan vs Ball State prediction for this College Football game on Saturday, October 5th at Scheumann Stadium in Muncie, Indiana. Let’s take a look at the prediction for this Week 6 matchup.
Western Michigan Broncos Betting Preview
The Western Michigan Broncos are 1-3 (0-0) this year after they lost to Marshall by a score of 27-20 last week. Western Michigan fought hard to tie the game at 20 in the fourth quarter, but they allowed the game-winning touchdown with about 7:30 left in the game. The Broncos were outgained by a total of 420-318, tied the turnover battle at one, and went 4-14 on third down in the game. Hayden Wolff threw for 126 yards and one touchdown, while Jaden Nixon rushed for 146 yards and one score on 23 carries.
Western Michigan also has losses against Wisconsin and Ohio State this year, with their only win coming against Bethune Cookman by a score of 59-31. The WMU offense has scored 23.3 points per game with 160.8 passing yards and 178 rushing yards per game, while the defense has allowed 35.5 points per game this season. The Broncos have gone 28.9% on third down and 4-7 on fourth down through four games. Hayden Wolff has completed 62.5% of his passes for 643 yards, four touchdowns, and two interceptions, while Anthony Sambucci has caught 13 passes for 212 yards and one score.
Ball State Cardinals Betting Preview
The Ball State Cardinals are 1-3 (0-1) this season after they lost to James Madison by a score of 63-7 in their last game. Ball State cut the deficit to 15-7 in the first quarter, but they couldn’t manage any more points in the blowout loss. The Cardinals were outgained by a total of 515-250, lost the turnover battle 3-0, and went 7-16 on third down in the game. Kadin Semonza threw for 168 yards, one touchdown, and three interceptions, while Braedon Sloan rushed for 72 yards on 14 carries.
Ball State also has losses against Central Michigan and Miami, but they did defeat Missouri State by a score of 42-34 in their first game. The Ball State offense has scored 22.3 points per game with 207.3 passing yards and 100.5 rushing yards per game, while the defense has allowed 49 points per game this season. The Cardinals have gone 40.3% on third down and 5-12 on fourth down so far this season. Kadin Semonza has completed 69.1% of his passes for 826 yards, eight touchdowns, and five interceptions, while Tanner Koziol has caught 29 passes for 289 yards and three scores.
Why Western Michigan will cover
- The favorite has won each of Ball State's last six games.
- Ball State has lost each of its last three games.
- Western Michigan has covered the spread in each of its last four October road games against non-AP-ranked teams.
Total Points Facts
- Each of Ball State's last six games in October has gone UNDER the total points line.
- Each of Western Michigan's last four games as a favorite has gone OVER the total points line.
Matchup/League Facts
- Ball State ranks 133rd among FBS teams for points allowed per game this season (49.0).
- Ball State ranks 133rd among FBS teams for yards allowed per game this season (529.8).
- Western Michigan ranks T122nd among FBS teams for H1 opponent points per game this season (19.0).
- Western Michigan ranks 122nd among FBS teams for rushing yards allowed per game this season (212.8).
Western Michigan vs Ball State Prediction
Both of these teams come into this game with 1-3 records and wins over FCS teams, but I think Western Michigan is the better team by far. The Broncos gave Wisconsin a very close game in the opener and nearly beat Marshall on the road, while Ball State has allowed a ton of points in their four games. The Cardinals have allowed 63, 37, and 62 points in their three games against FBS teams, so I think Western Michigan is going to have a huge day on offense. I don’t love the Western Michigan defensive unit, but the Ball State offense is below average. Take the Broncos to cover the spread on the road.
David’s Pick Western Michigan -9.5
AUTHOR: David Racey
Mitch's Take...
