Ball State Cardinals vs Bowling Green Falcons Prediction, 10/17/2026 College Football Picks, Best Bets & Odds

Game: Ball State Cardinals vs Bowling Green Falcons

Date: Saturday, October 17, 2026

Location: Doyt L. Perry Stadium in Bowling Green, OH

TV: ESPN+

Odds/Point Spread: Falcons (-7.5)

Total/Over-Under: 44.5

The Bowling Green Falcons (2-4) will try to beat the Ball State Cardinals (1-5) at Doyt L. Perry Stadium on Saturday, October 17, 2026. Ball State opens this game as 7.5-point underdogs. The total is 44.5.

The Ball State Cardinals head into this game 1-5 for this season. In their last game, the Cardinals stepped onto the field against the Toledo Rockets and took a loss by a score of 39-24. When it came to stopping the run, the Cardinals gave up 352 yards on 51 tries, which averages out to 6.9 yards per run surrendered. Ball State gave up 19 completions on 35 tries for a total of 201 yards, and a completion rate of 54.3%. In all, they had 62 plays which converted into 370 yds. The Ball State Cardinals ran the rock 27 times and tallied 132 yds, which had them averaging 4.9 yds per carry.

In terms of putting the ball in the endzone, the Ball State Cardinals have an average of 18.3 points per outing. As a team they're maintaining an average of 117.8 yards on the ground which ranks them 120th in college football. The Cardinals have racked up 1,848 total yards for the year. With reference to getting the ball in the endzone, Ball State has compiled 7 touchdowns through the air and 7 touchdowns via the ground. Ball State has amassed 105 first downs offensively, and they have committed 51 penalties for 435 yards. They have surrendered the ball 6 times.

The Cardinals are ranked 134th in college football in terms of their opponents scoring, conceding 39.0 points per game. They are allowing an average of 5.8 yards per run and 218.8 yards on the ground per game on the campaign. During this campaign, they have conceded 1,313 rushing yards through 6 games. Concerning yards through the air, the Cardinals have allowed 1,491 yds which ranks them 124th in college football. They have relinquished 248.5 yards per game through the air and allowed a completion percentage of 66.9%. Overall, they have surrendered 467.3 yards per game which has them ranked 133rd in the nation. They have surrendered 15 touchdowns via the pass as well as 14 touchdowns via the ground game.

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The Falcons come into this game with a record of 2-4 for this season. The last time they took the gridiron, the Falcons got the victory with a final of 24-20 against the Miami RedHawks. Bowling Green rushed for 2.6 yards per attempt, finishing the game with 60 yards on 23 carries. The Falcons finished with 365 yds on 60 plays (6.1 yards per play). The Falcons pass defense gave up a completion rate of 70.8%, relinquishing 198 yards on 17 for 24 passing. Bowling Green allowed 35 rushing attempts for 108 yds (3.1 yards per carry).

Regarding their scoring prowess, the Falcons are ranking 132nd in the nation averaging 15.8 points per contest. The Bowling Green Falcons maintain an average of 274.7 yards/game, which has them sitting 136th in the nation. The Bowling Green offense has totaled 311 yds of penalties on 36 infractions, which is 78th in D-1 in terms of hurting your team. They have given away 3 interceptions while surrendering 4 fumbles and they have obtained 98 first downs. During the season thus far, the Falcons have compiled 1,006 passing yards not to mention holding an average of 167.7 throwing yards per outing, putting them at 125th in D-1. They have an average of 107.0 rushing yards per game and have toted the ball for 642 yards overall.

Bowling Green has yielded a total of 1,227 yards on the ground (204.5 yards/game) and 8 touchdowns by way of the ground game on the season. They have given up 10 touchdowns via the pass as well as 170.8 yards/game, which has them ranked 25th in D-1. Over the course of the season, they have relinquished 175 pts. Their defense has totaled 4 fumbles recovered and 2 interceptions for the season. The Falcons defense has participated in 362 plays, ranking them 65th in college football. The Falcons are allowing 29.2 points per game, which has them ranked 115th in the nation.

Who will win tonight's Cardinals/Falcons college football game against the spread?

Tony's Pick: Take the Cardinals +7.5

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