NIU Huskies vs. Ball State Cardinals Prediction, Oct 26, 2024 College Football Picks, Best Bets and Odds

Game: NIU Huskies vs. Ball State Cardinals

Date: Saturday, October 26, 2024

Location: Scheumann Stadium in Muncie, IN

TV: ESPN+

Odds/point distribution: Cardinals (+12.0)

Total/Over-Under: 48.5

The Ball State Cardinals (2-5) will face the NIU Huskies (4-3) at Scheumann Stadium on Saturday, October 26, 2024. Ball State opens this game as a 12.0 point underdog. The total is set at 48.5.

The NIU Huskies come into this game with a record of 4-3 this year. In their last game, the Huskies faced the Toledo Rockets and ended up losing 13-6. Against the rush, the Huskies gained 133 yards on 37 attempts, which equates to 3.6 yards per run given up. NIU had 15 completions on 28 attempts for 152 yards and a 53.6% completion rate. For the game, they completed 92 plays for a total of 391 yards. The NIU Huskies ran the Rock 46 times for 181 yards, an average of 3.9 yards per carry.

When it comes to putting points on the board, the NIU Huskies are averaging 23.4 points per contest. Offensively, they average 215.0 yards on the ground game, which is 15th in the country. The Huskies have earned 2,803 total yards this campaign. When it comes to getting into the end zone, NIU has compiled 8 touchdowns via the pass and 11 touchdowns via the ground. NIU compiled 157 1st downs as a unit and they were called for 31 violations for 316 yards. They turned the football over nine times.

When it comes to passing yards, the Huskies have given up 1,096 yards, which puts them 11th nationally. They averaged 156.6 yards per game through the air and posted a 55.6% completion rate. Overall, they give up 258.1 yards/play, which ranks them 3rd in the country. They have allowed 7 touchdowns via the pass and 4 touchdowns via the ground game. Opponents manage 3.2 yards per rush on the ground and 101.6 yards on the ground per game on the year. In total, they have allowed 711 yards in 7 appearances. The Huskies rank 13th nationally in team defense, allowing 16.6 points per game.

Get all of our college football picks against the spread

The Cardinals enter the field with a record of 2-5 this season. The last time the Cardinals took the field, they lost to the Vanderbilt Commodores 24-14. The Cardinals finished the contest with 268 total yards on 51 plays (5.3 yards per play). Ball State ran the ball 3.5 yards per attempt and finished the game with 78 yards on 22 carries. Ball State allowed 37 attempts on the ground for 145 yards (3.9 yards per rush). The Cardinals' pass defense yielded a 54.8% completion rate, giving up 275 yards on 17 for 31 passes.

The Ball State Cardinals average 328.9 yards per game, which ranks them 111th in college football. Ball State's offense has committed 267 yards of penalties on 33 infractions, ranking it 117th in Division 1 when it comes to hurting your team. They average 105.6 yards rushing per game and have carried the ball 739 yards this season. They gave away 7 picks while allowing opponents to recover 1 fumble, and they earned 143 first downs. When it comes to points scored, the Cardinals rank 87th in college football with 25.1 PPG. During the season so far, the Cardinals have accumulated 1,563 yards passing and averaged 223.3 passing yards per game, ranking them 74th in Division 1.

The Cardinals are allowing 42.9 PPG, which ranks them 131st in college football. Ball State has totaled 1,269 yards rushing (181.3 yards per contest) and 15 touchdowns on the ground this year. Over the course of the season they gave up a total of 300 points. They have given up 23 passing touchdowns and 310.9 yards/out, ranking 134th in D-1. The Cardinals' defense has played in 446 games, good for 52nd in the nation. They have compiled 3 fumbles and 2 picks so far this year.

Who will win the Huskies/Cardinals college football game against the spread tonight?

Tony's pick: Take the Cardinals +12.0

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