| MATCHUP | Ball State Cardinals | Northwestern Wildcats |
|---|---|---|
| Team Records | 1-4 | 3-1 |
| Spread | +35.5 -108 | -35.5 -112 |
| Moneyline | +5000 | -100000 |
| Total | Over 52.5 (-110) | Under 52.5 (-110) |
| Where | Northwestern Medicine Field at Martin Stadium, Evanston, IL | |
| When | Saturday, October 10, 2026 | |
| Time | 12:30 PM EDT | |
| TV | BTN | |
Ball State Cardinals Betting Preview
The Ball State Cardinals lost to Toledo and Kent State, and they play Bowling Green next. Ball State has lost 7 of its last 8 games. Keldric Luster is completing 63.9 percent of his passes for 662 yards, 5 touchdowns, and 3 interceptions. Donovan Hamilton and Jamarion McDougle have combined for 355 receiving yards and 1 touchdown, while Jabari Smith has 12 receptions.
The Ball State Cardinals’ ground game is averaging 123.4 yards per contest, and TJ Horton leads the way with 301 yards and 4 touchdowns. Defensively, Ball State is allowing 37.8 points and 473.6 yards per game. Sterling Smith leads the Ball State Cardinals with 35 tackles, Layton Starks has 1.5 sacks, and Kamron Chamble has 2 interceptions.
Northwestern Wildcats Betting Preview
The Northwestern Wildcats lost to Indiana, beat Penn State, and they play Michigan State next. The Northwestern Wildcats have won 4 of their last 5 games. Aidan Chiles is completing 70.8 percent of his passes for 900 yards, 6 touchdowns, and 0 interceptions. Griffin Wilde and Luke Dehnicke have combined for 489 receiving yards and 2 touchdowns, while Alex Honig has 7 receptions.
The Northwestern Wildcats’ ground game is averaging 212.8 yards per contest, and Caleb Komolafe leads the way with 290 yards and 2 touchdowns. Defensively, Northwestern is allowing 16.8 points and 385.8 yards per game. Robert Fitzgerald leads the Northwestern Wildcats with 42 tackles, Baydon Brus has 3 sacks, and Damon Walters has 1 interception.
Why the Northwestern Wildcats will win
- Ball State has lost each of its last 13 road games.
- Northwestern has won each of its last five games against non-conference opponents.
- Northwestern has covered the spread in each of its last five games.
- Ball State has failed to cover the spread in each of its last four road games.
- Northwestern has won the first half in each of its last five games against non-conference opponents.
Total Points Facts
- Seven of Ball State’s last eight road games against opponents from the Big Ten Conference have gone UNDER the total points line.
- Three of Northwestern’s last four games against teams from Indiana have gone OVER the total points line.
Northwestern Wildcats Player Prop Facts
- Heading into Week 6, Aidan Chiles ranks 12th amongst qualified players for passer rating (178.0) this season.
Ball State Cardinals Player Prop Facts
- Heading into Week 6, Kamron Chamble ranks T14th amongst FBS players for interceptions (2) this season.
Matchup/League Facts
- Northwestern ranks 17th among FBS teams for Q4 points per game this season (10.5).
- Northwestern ranks 18th among FBS teams for H2 points per game this season (19.3).
- Ball State ranks 135th among FBS teams for H2 opponent points per game this season (20.6).
- Ball State ranks 135th among FBS teams for yards allowed per game this season (473.6).
Ball State vs Northwestern Prediction
I know Ball State doesnt win over cover numbers and Northwestern has a little pep in its step offensively and is playing in its improved staidum. Sure. However, what in the world has Northwestern ever done to deserve to lay 30 plus points. I don’t care who the opponent is. Also, this is a shaky Northwestern defense that’s 103rd in total defense and 100th against the run. Weird sandwich spot as well for Northwestern after playing Penn State and Michigan State on deck. There are better games out there, but it’s the road dog or pass for me. This line is nuts given the history of Northwestern.