Ball State Cardinals at Northern Illinois Huskies Picks and Prediction for Saturday October 25, 2025
Use Code WWWC The MAC has been unpredictable at times this season, and Saturday’s matchup between Ball State and Northern Illinois is another matchup that may seem tough to figure out, but I've got my top plays for the Cardinals vs Huskies on this page.
Ball State bounced back from a 42-0 loss to Western Michigan last week with a 42-28 win over Akron, while Northern Illinois dropped its sixth straight game, falling 48-21 at Ohio.
If you are struggling to pick winners, you’ve come to the right place. We have the strongest NCAAF predictions.
Ball State looking to build off win
Ball State’s season has been filled with ups and downs, but last week’s win over Akron was a step in the right direction. The Cardinals finally got their ground game rolling, racking up 286 rushing yards in the victory as quarterback Kiael Kelly continued to show his ability, rushing for three touchdowns while throwing for another. Running back Qua Ashley added 143 yards and a score, giving Ball State much-needed offensive balance after struggling through most of the year.
Get Free $30 Credit for Premium Picks + Exclusive Discounts
Subscribe Now
Ball State has now won three of its last five games, but the numbers have not been impressive overall. The Cardinals rank 131st nationally in total offense (272.4 YPG) and 127th in scoring (17.7 PPG). Passing remains their biggest issue, with Kelly averaging just 120.8 yards per game through the air.
Defensively, Ball State has had problems, allowing over 420 yards and 31 points per game, but they also faced Auburn and Purdue to open up the season.
Where's the offense for Northern Illinois?
It's hard to believe that it was just last season when NIU went to South Bend and upset Notre Dame. The program hasn't been able to build off that momentum of last year's historic upset, and 2025 has been a massive disappointment.
The Huskies’ lone win came back in early September against FCS Holy Cross, 19-17, and since then, they’ve dropped six straight games. The biggest issue for the Huskies has been that the offense simply can’t score. NIU ranks dead last in the FBS in total offense (261 YPG) and scoring (12.3 PPG), crossing the 20-point mark for the first time in last week's 48-21 loss to Ohio.
Quarterback Josh Holst has shown flashes, completing 63.2% of his passes for 537 yards and three touchdowns, but he is only 137th in the country with a 23.3 QBR. Running back Telly Johnson Jr. leads the team with 459 yards on 78 carries, but has only one 90+ yard game this season.
The defense has given the team a shot despite little help, as NIU ranks 55th nationally in total defense (353.7 YPG) and an impressive 22nd against the pass (172.3 YPG). However, due to the offensive struggles, the Huskies have been worn down late in games.
Ball State vs NIU Predictions:
Spread Pick for Ball State vs. Northern Illinois
- Ball State +6 (5 units)
The Huskies can’t score enough to justify laying points, especially against a Ball State team that’s won three straight in this rivalry outright, and all as underdogs. Ball State isn’t a model of consistency, but their ground game and confidence edge make them the more trustworthy side. NIU has failed to cover in five straight and hasn’t scored more than 21 points this season. The Cardinals have been battle-tested this season by facing Auburn and Purdue, and with their offensive running ability, they should keep within striking distance, if not win outright.
Total Pick for Ball State vs. NIU
- Under 42 (4 units)
With the 131st and 135th-ranked units in total offense in this game, points should be scarce. Northern Illinois averages just 12.3 points per game and has scored more than 20 points only once. Ball State isn’t much better, putting up 17.7 per contest. Both teams rank near the bottom nationally on third down, and neither has shown the consistency to sustain long drives. Unless turnovers lead directly to points, this one should be an ugly game where every field goal matters. The under looks like the safest play on the board.
Betting on College Football?
- Bet with other College Football fans at the best sportsbooks
- Sign up today and get started with the latest college football sportsbook promos
Up To $1500 in Bonus Bets Paid Back if your First Bet Does Not Win
New Users – Bet $5 Get $200 in Bet Reset Tokens for 5 Days
