Toledo Rockets vs Ball State Cardinals Prediction, 10/3/2026 College Football Picks, Best Bets & Odds

Game: Toledo Rockets vs Ball State Cardinals

Date: Saturday, October 3, 2026

Location: Scheumann Stadium in Muncie, IN

TV: ESPN+

Odds/Point Spread: Cardinals (+19.5)

Total/Over-Under: 51.5

The Toledo Rockets (3-1) are en route to Scheumann Stadium on Saturday, October 3, 2026 where they will go up against the Ball State Cardinals (1-3). Ball State opens this contest as 19.5-point dogs from oddsmakers. The betting total is set at 51.5.

The Toledo Rockets come into this matchup with a record of 3-1 for this season. The last time they took the field, the Rockets took on the San Diego State Aztecs and took home the win by a score of 41-16. The Toledo Rockets rushed the ball a total of 48 times and tallied 210 yards, earning them an average of 4.4 yds per attempt. Once the final whistle blew, they ran 70 plays which totaled 494 yards. Toledo allowed 24 completions on 37 tries for a total of 248 yds, and a completion percentage of 64.9%. Against the rush, the Rockets gave up 48 yds on 31 tries, which is an average of 1.5 yards per rush surrendered.

The Rockets have racked up 1,872 total yards this season. When it comes to distribution of touchdowns, Toledo has compiled 13 touchdowns through the air and 9 touchdowns via the ground. They have turned the football over 4 different times. Toledo has earned 84 first downs as a team, and they have committed 28 penalties for 217 yards. Offensively they're averaging 162.5 yards on the ground which ranks them 66th in the nation. In terms of getting in the endzone, the Toledo Rockets hold an average of 43.3 points per contest.

When talking about passing yards, the Rockets have allowed 725 yds which has them sitting in 43rd in the nation. They have allowed 181.3 yards per game via the pass in addition to allowing a completion percentage of 59.1%. Overall, they have yielded 314.3 yards/game which has them sitting 46th in D-1. They have yielded 6 touchdowns through the air as well as 4 touchdowns pounding the rock. The opposition is running for an average of 3.5 yards per running attempt and 133.0 rushing yards per game on the campaign. Over the course of this year, they have given up 532 running yards through 4 outings. The Rockets are ranked 98th in college football when it comes to team defense, allowing 26.0 points per game.

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The Cardinals come into this game with a record of 1-3 for this season. When they last played, the Cardinals went home defeated by a final of 26-13 when they faced the Kent State Golden Flashes. Ball State gave up 43 rushing attempts for 165 yds (3.8 yds per carry). The Cardinals passing defense allowed a completion rate of 64.0%, surrendering 189 yards on 16 for 25 passing. The Cardinals finished the game with a total of 210 yards and they ran 54 plays (3.9 yds per play). Ball State ran for 1.7 yards per attempt, finishing the game with 46 yards on 27 attempts.

The Ball State Cardinals have an average of 276.5 yards per contest, which has them ranked 135th in the country. The Ball State offense has racked up 281 yards of penalties on 32 violations, which has them ranked 30th in the country in terms of helping out the other team. They maintain an average of 118.3 yards per game via the ground game and have run for 473 yards for this season. They have thrown 2 interceptions while conceding 1 fumble and they have earned 65 1st downs. Concerning their scoring prowess, the Cardinals are sitting 129th in Division 1 holding an average of 18.0 points per outing. Over the course of the season thus far, the Cardinals currently have a total of 633 passing yards along with holding an average of 158.3 passing yards per game, which ranks 125th in the country.

Ball State has given up a total of 797 yards rushing (199.3 yards/game) in addition to 9 touchdowns on the ground for the year. They have allowed 11 touchdowns via the pass in addition to 254.5 yards/game, which has them sitting 118th in the nation. This season, they have conceded 150 points in total. They have earned 1 fumble and 3 interceptions this year. The Cardinals defense has participated in 268 plays, which is 92nd in the country. The Cardinals are surrendering 37.5 PPG, ranking them 135th in Division 1.

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

Josh's Pick: Take the Cardinals +19.5

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