Ball State vs Miami Ohio, Picks and Prediction for Saturday, November 29, 2025
In the final game of the regular season on Saturday, the Ball State Cardinals (4-7, 3-4 MAC) visit Oxford, Ohio, and Yager Stadium for a Mid-American Conference Game with the Miami (OH) Redhawks (6-5, 5-2 MAC), with Conference Championship Game implications on the line. Ball State lost to Toledo 38-9 last Saturday. The Cardinals have lost two straight and three of the last four. Ball State will not play in a bowl game as they have just four victories with one game remaining. Miami (OH) beat Buffalo 37-20 last Wednesday, snapping a two-game losing streak. Miami (OH) can reach the MAC Championship game to play Western Michigan with a victory on Saturday. Make sure to read this in-depth Ball State Cardinals vs Miami (OH) Redhawks prediction. Kickoff confidence! Unlock expert insights with our NCAAF picks for Ball State Cardinals vs. Miami Ohio Redhawks prediction.
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Ball State’s offense is weak, and the defense is not much better
The Ball State Cardinals score an average of only 16.6 (132nd) points per game. The Cardinals are 87th in rushing yards and 131st in passing yards per game. Ball State averages 298.0 yards of total offense per game, which is 131st out of 136. On defense, Ball State allows an average of 31.3 (100th) points per game. The Cardinals are 91st in passing yards and 110th in rushing yards allowed per game. Ball State allows an average of 441.0 yards per game, which is 108th.
Ball State quarterback Kiael Kelly has 1,383 yards passing with 8 touchdowns and eight interceptions. Kelly has been sacked an incredible 43 times. Kelly is also the leading rusher with 547 yards and five touchdowns, while Qua Ashley has 525 yards rushing and four touchdowns. Qian Magwood is the leading receiver with 302 yards and one touchdown reception. Linebacker Alfred Chea is the leading tackler with 55. Ball State’s defense has made 22 sacks and intercepted nine passes.
Injuries: Ball State has 18 players listed as questionable.
Miami (OH) relies on its tough defence to win
The Miami (OH) Redhawks score an average of 24.4 (105th) points per game. The Redhawks are 83rd in rushing and 111th in passing yards per game. Miami (OH) averages 345.8 yards of total offense per game, which is 116th. The Miami (OH) defense allows an average of 21.7 (27th) points per game. The Redhawks are 25th in rushing and 34th in passing yards allowed. Miami (OH)’s defense allows an average of 328.0 yards per game, which is 19th.
Miami (OH) quarterback Dequan Finn left the team two weeks ago to prepare for the NFL draft. Henry Hesson has taken over as the starting quarterback and has 489 yards passing with three touchdowns and three interceptions. Jordan Brunson is the leading rusher with 611 yards and two touchdowns. Kam Perry leads all receivers with 802 yards and five touchdown receptions, averaging 24.3 yards per reception. Defensive back Eli Blakey is the leading tackler with 86. Miami (OH)’s defense has made 32 quarterback sacks and intercepted 14 passes.
Injuries: Miami (OH) will play without RB Kenny Tracy, while five others are listed as questionable
Miami Ohio Redhawks vs. Ball State Cardinals Pick
Spread Pick for Miami Ohio vs. Ball State
- Miami (OH) Redhawks -17.5 (4 units)
The Miami (OH) Redhawks lost their starting quarterback 2 weeks ago when Dequan Finn left the team, but the Redhawks continue to win and face a much less talented opponent on Saturday when hosting Ball State. Miami (OH)’s defense is its key to success, allowing just 21.7 points (27th) per game. The Redhawks have 14 interceptions and 32 quarterback sacks. Ball State is one of the worst in the nation on offense, averaging 16.6 (132nd) points per game and is very weak against the run on defense, allowing 191.4 yards per game, which is 110th. Miami (OH)’s strength on offense is its ground game, averaging 152.6 yards per game, and it will run the ball until Ball State stops them, which is unlikely to happen. Miami (OH) has far more incentive to win as a victory would put them in the MAC Championship Game, while Ball State ends their season and goes home without a bowl game.
Over/Under Pick for Miami Ohio vs. Ball State
- Under 42 (4 units)
The total has finished under in five of Ball State’s last seven games and in eight of Miami (OH)’s last 11 games played in November. Ball State is 132nd in scoring, averaging 16.6 points per game and faces a Miami (OH) defense that is 27th in points allowed, at 21.7 points per game. Miami (OH) does not score that many points at 24.4 per game and will use a running game to move the chains, therefore creating long, sustained drives and fewer possessions.
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