| MATCHUP | Akron Zips | Ball State Cardinals |
|---|---|---|
| Team Records | 2-6 | 3-4 |
| Where | Scheumann Stadium, Muncie, IN | |
| When | Saturday, October 18, 2025 | |
| Time | 03:30 PM EDT | |
| TV | ESPN+ | |
The Akron Zips and Ball State Cardinals meet Saturday in college football action at Scheumann Stadium. Here’s a Akron vs Ball State Prediction. This article will include a Akron vs Ball State Pick.
Akron Zips Betting Preview
The Akron Zips lost to Miami OH, beat Central Michigan, and they play Buffalo next. The Akron Zips have lost 5 their last 7 games. Ben Finley is completing 50.8 percent of his passes for 1,157 yards, 8 touchdowns, and 4 interceptions. Kyan Mason and Israel Polk have combined for 539 receiving yards and 5 touchdowns, while Myles Walker has 17 receptions.
The Akron Zips ground game is averaging 130.9 yards per contest, and Jordan Gant leads the way with 511 yards and 3 touchdowns. Defensively, Akron is allowing 29 points and 439.1 yards per game. Shammond Cooper leads the Akron Zips with 47 tackles, Bruno Dall has 3 sacks and Elijah Reed has 2 interceptions.
Ball State Cardinals Betting Preview
The Ball State Cardinals beat Ohio, lost to Western Michigan, and they play Northern Illinois next. Ball State has lost 9 of its last 10 games. Kiael Kelly is completing 60.3 percent of his passes for 725 yards, 4 touchdowns, and 2 interceptions. Qian Magwood and Eric Weatherly have combined for 318 receiving yards and 1 touchdown, while Donovan Hamilton has 10 receptions.
The Ball State Cardinals ground game is averaging 131.5 yards per contest, and Qua Ashley leads the way with 333 yards and 3 touchdowns. Defensively, Ball State is allowing 31.5 points and 422.3 yards per game. Alfred Chea leads the Ball State Cardinals with 31 tackles, Nathan Voorhis has 8 sacks and Eric McClain has 1 interception.
Why the Ball State Cardinals will win
- Akron has lost each of its last 17 games as a road underdog.
- The home team has won eight of Ball State’s last nine games.
- Ball State has covered the spread in 10 of its last 11 games at Scheumann Stadium.
- Akron has failed to cover the spread in nine of its last 12 road games against non-AP-ranked teams.
Why the Akron Zips will win
- Ball State has lost seven of its last nine October games as a home favorite against non-AP-ranked teams.
- Ball State has failed to cover the spread in nine of its last 10 October games as a home favorite against non-AP-ranked teams.
- Akron has covered the spread in each of its last three games against Ball State.
Total Points Facts
- Seven of Ball State’s last eight October games as a home favorite have gone UNDER the total points line.
- Six of Akron’s last eight October games as a road underdog have gone OVER the total points line.
Ball State Cardinals Player Prop Facts
- Heading into Week 8, Qua Ashley leads Ball State for touchdowns (4) this season.
Akron Zips Player Prop Facts
- Heading into Week 8, Brandon Hills ranks 3rd amongst FBS players for kick return yards (402) this season.
Matchup/League Facts
- Ball State has suffered the equal-most road losses by a margin of 30+ points of any FBS team this season (3).
- Ball State has scored fewer than five points in three road games this season – most of any FBS team.
- Akron ranks 129th among FBS teams for points per game this season (16.7).
- Akron ranks T8th among FBS teams for 4th down conversion percentage against this season (27.3).
Akron vs Ball State Prediction
I’m not excited to back either of these teams, as both Akron and Ball State are awful on both sides of the ball, and it’s surprising they have a combined 4 wins if we’re being honest. The one advantage is that Ball State is at home, and that’s where I’m going to lean if forced to pick. Ball State has covered 6 of its last 9 games as a favorite. Oddsmakers don’t know who to favor in this spot either, which is why it’s a near pick em. Give me Ball State at home.