Ball State
Cardinals
Spread
+50.5
NCAAF Predictions
Ball State Cardinals vs Ohio State Buckeyes Predictions
Saturday, September 5, 2026 at 12:30pm EST at Ohio Stadium, Columbus, OH
@
Ohio State
Buckeyes
Spread
-50.5
50%
50%
Spread
Ball State Cardinals +50.5
Ohio State Buckeyes -50.5
Moneyline
Ball State Cardinals
Ohio State Buckeyes
Total
Over 56.5 (-108)
Under 56.5 (-112)
Professional Picks
0 listed
Professional Picks On This Game
No professional picks are available for this matchup.
Ball State vs. Ohio State Prediction: Backup QB Question Matters at -50.5
Analysis updated September 5, 2026 at 5:22 AM CDT
Ohio State is the likely winner, but its unsettled backup quarterback role matters if this opener becomes a rout.
The spread puts reserves in focus
Ohio State's backup quarterback could have a meaningful role in deciding a 50.5-point spread. Eleven Warriors, an Ohio State sports publication, reports that Ryan Day hadn't announced whether Luke Fahey or Tavien St. Clair would fill that role. If the Buckeyes pull their starter with a large lead, late possessions could determine whether they cover SPF's -50.5.
Eleven Warriors projects Julian Sayin to start for Ohio State and Keldric Luster for Ball State. Those projections don't establish how either offense will perform in the opener. Ohio State is the likely winner given the spread, but there's too little evidence to recommend laying the points or backing Ball State. Pass on the spread. SPF's moneyline price is unavailable, so pass there too.
Rain alone doesn't justify the under
AOL / Columbus Dispatch, carrying reporting from the Columbus newspaper, cites a National Weather Service forecast for showers and possible thunderstorms during the 12:30 p.m. ET game window. Forecast rainfall is roughly 0.10 inch, with more possible in a thunderstorm. That leaves the effect on passing and ball handling uncertain.
SPF lists the total at 56.5, with over -108 and under -112. The forecast doesn't establish enough disruption to support an under bet, and the projected lineups don't supply a case for the over. Pass on the total.
Pick
Ohio State Buckeyes
Confidence
low
Betting lean
Pass