Ball State Cardinals vs Kent State Golden Flashes Prediction, Odds, Line, Spread, and Picks - November 1

MACtion is back. The Ball State Cardinals (4-4) will take on the Kent State Golden Flashes (3-5) at Dix Stadium in Ohio on Tuesday (November 1) in the NCAA.

Both teams enjoyed a bye week last Saturday after divisional matchups in Week 8. Ball State recently lost a defensive battle to the Eastern Michigan Eagles 20-16. Neither team could put up points in the first 15 minutes, but QB John Paddock stacked Ball State to an early 7-0 lead in the first minute of the second quarter.

The two MAC teams went back and forth before a Paddock interception led to an EMU game-winning touchdown. Turnovers were the downfall for the Cardinals, throwing two interceptions and fumbling once while coming up empty against the Eagles.

Kent State quarterback Devin Kargman impressed in his first collegiate start as the Golden Flashes defeated Akron 33-27 in Week 8. The stars played a significant role in the Kent State victory, led by Devontez Walker and his three touchdowns, two of which came via the arm of Kargman. Walker's running mate, Marquez Cooper, tallied 137 yards rushing on 28 carries.

Ball State Cardinals vs Kent State Golden Flashes Betting Odds

Team	Spread	Over/Under	Moneyline
Ball State Cardinals	+7	062.5	+220
Kent State Golden Flashes	-7	u62.5	-260

All Lines Provided by FanDuel Sportsbook

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Tale of the Tape

Mike Neu is in his seventh year as the frontman for the Ball State Cardinals. Two seasons ago, Neu led the Cardinals to a 7-1 record and their first top-25 ranking since the Brady Hoke era.

Unfortunately, things have been less sunshine and rainbows in the previous year and a half, with Ball State going a pedestrian 10-11. The Cardinals are going through a changing of guard at quarterback, with four-year starter Drew Plitt graduating last spring.

Led by John Paddock, the Cardinals are fourth in the MAC in passing yards per game (248) and completion percentage (61.5). The offense runs through running back Carson Steele. The Sophomore leads the MAC in all significant rushing categories, while his 1016 yards from scrimmage is 12th in the country.

The defensive unit has been tough against opposing passers, placing top five in the conference in yards allowed and completion percentage. Unfortunately, for Ball State, the Cardinals can be picked on with the run, allowing 185 rushing yards per contest. They were decimated by the ground attack in the first month of the season, permitting 11 rushing touchdowns in their first four games.

Sean Lewis, meanwhile, is in a make-or-break year as the Kent State Golden Flashes coach. He's yet to eclipse seven wins as the coach of Kent and is in danger of posting his worst season since coming aboard in 2018.

The most confusing aspect of his tenure is the lack of wins that came to fruition when star QB Dustin Crum threw 52 touchdowns against ten interceptions in his three years as the Golden Flashes signal caller. Now Lewis must make do without Crum, who's playing in the CFL.

His heir apparent, Collin Schlee, missed last week with an undisclosed injury but is expected to be back for Tuesday's tilt. He has eight touchdowns and four interceptions this year while accounting for three scores on the ground. The Golden Flashes deploy one of the best rushing attacks in the country, led by star running back Marquez Cooper and his 106.5 rushing yards per game.

Ball State Cardinals vs Kent State Golden Flashes Prediction

Kent State has had a tougher schedule, while the offense is stil able to bust off explosive plays.

Walker and Cooper should be the best players on the field when the Golden Flashes are marching on offense. Meanwhile, as solid as Ball State has played, there's a reason the team with the better record is a touchdown underdog.