Ball State at Ohio State Betting Tips – Buckeyes To Blowout Cardinals In College Football
Ohio State opens the 2026 football season with high expectations, facing Ball State for the first time ever. After an impressive run last year and a history of dominant performances in season openers, the Buckeyes are expected to cover a substantial point spread. Ball State, coming off a disappointing four-win season, appears outmatched against a powerhouse Ohio State team with championship ambitions. Bettors can expect the Buckeyes to showcase both offensive and defensive prowess in this Week 1 clash.
- Ohio State has won 38 of their last 39 season openers
- Ball State struggled last season with only 4 wins
- Buckeyes expected to cover the spread with dominant offense and defense
Ohio State are tipped to cover a huge spread as they make light work of Ball State.
This loaded Buckeyes offense will almost certainly be too hot for the Cardinals to handle, and we do not see this re-tooled defense having many problems shutting down the visitors.
Key Numbers – Will Buckeyes Make It 39 Wins In Last 40 Season Openers?
- Ohio State have won 38 of their last 39 season openers
- Ohio State have won their last 6 meetings with MAC teams by an average of 51.5 points
- Ball State failed to cover in 5 of their 7 road games last season
- The Over cashed in Ohio State’s only other game as a 50+ point favourite under Ryan Day
First Ever Head-To-Head Meeting
- This is the first ever meeting between the two schools
Ball State Won Just Four Games Last Season
Ball State enter the 2026 campaign looking to make more of an impact in the MAC conference this time around.
The Cardinals managed just four wins across the 2025 season, while winning just three of their eight conference games.
They kicked off their MAC campaign with a 20-14 win over Ohio, and then rebounded from a 42-0 shutout loss to Western Michigan with a 42-28 success against Akron.
Ball State again failed to build on a victory as they lost 21-7 to Northern Illinois, and although they responded quickly by beating Kent State 17-13, that proved to be their final win of the season.
The Cardinals ended the campaign by losing 24-9 to Eastern Michigan, 38-9 in Toledo and 45-24 at Miami Ohio.
Ohio State Target National Championship Glory
Ohio State come into the new season with their sights set on Big Ten and National Championship glory.
The Buckeyes opened last season by knocking off number one-ranked Texas, and that proved to be the start of a 12-game win streak.
They reeled off commanding victory after commanding victory during that tear, and won the latest instalment of their rivalry with Michigan, 27-9, on the road.
However, Ohio State’s momentum – and offense – was brought to a shuddering halt in the Big Ten Championship Game, as they lost 13-10 to Indiana.
The Buckeyes then fell at the first hurdle in the College Football Playoffs, as they were beaten 24-14 by Miami FL in the Cotton Bowl.
Verdict
Ohio State were a dominant force during the 2025 regular season, and we expect more of the same in 2026.
The simple truth is that they are many, many levels above this Ball State team, so we are backing the Buckeyes to dominate and cover the spread in Week 1.
The simple truth is that they are many, many levels above this Ball State team, so we are backing the Buckeyes to dominate and cover the spread in Week 1.
Ohio State -50.5
Spread
@9/10 - 4 Units
Bet £10 Get £30
with bonus code NEWBONUS
Available to new customers only. Make a qualifying deposit of £5 or more and claim the offer within 30 days of registering your account to qualify for 300% of that amount in Bet Credits, up to a maximum of £30 in Bet Credits. Once released, your Bet Credits will be held in your account balance and are non-withdrawable. Min deposit requirement. Free Bets are paid as Bet Credits and are available for use upon settlement of qualifying bets. Min odds, bet and payment method exclusions apply. Returns exclude Bet Credits stake. Registration required. Time limits and T&Cs apply. The bonus code NEWBONUS can be used during registration but does not change the offer amount in any way. #ad
Over 56.6
Total Points
@9/10 - 2 Units
Bet £10 Get £10
Promo Code: NEWBONUS
New customers only. Bet £10+ to receive £10 in Free Bets. 7-day free bet expiry. Stake not returned. Promotional Terms Apply. 18+. GambleAware.org
Related
Top Betting Sites
Betting offers
Upcoming Events
21 August 2026
- Volleyball European Championship 2026 Women -
- Volleyball
26 August 2026
- VCT 2026 Pacific Stage 2 Playoffs -
- Esports
- BLAST Open Fall 2026 -
- Esports
30 August 2026
Load More
Sports Tips Starts in
Today's Acca Tips
-
Soccer tips
-
Horse Racing tips
-
Tennis tips
