Ball St. Cardinals vs Ohio Bobcats Prediction, Odds and Best Bet for Nov. 17, 2026
Ohio will beat Ball State 24-17 in our forecast for November 17, with Nick Poulos’ passing and rushing production giving the Bobcats the stronger offensive case against a Cardinals team coming off missed scoring opportunities. Ohio’s collapse against Miami makes laying 8.5 points unattractive, however. Neither the spread nor the 49.5 total offers a convincing wager; the official recommendation is Pass.
Ball St. Cardinals vs Ohio Bobcats prediction and best bet
Ohio is the pick to win, but the best betting decision is Pass. Poulos contributed through the air and on the ground against Miami, while Ball State struggled to turn its yardage against Buffalo into points. That supports a modest preference for the Bobcats rather than a confident prediction of a comfortable victory.
Both teams bring a substantial concern into this matchup. Ohio lost after building a 17-0 lead, and Ball State allowed a 7-7 game to become a 28-7 defeat. Neither finish inspires confidence in laying more than a touchdown. Our Ohio Bobcats 24, Ball State Cardinals 17 forecast reflects that uncertainty.
Odds, game time and how to watch
Game: Ball St. Cardinals at Ohio Bobcats, November 17, 2026, in college football’s 2026 season.
Venue/location: Peden Stadium, Athens, Ohio.
Broadcast: CBSSN.
Records: Ball St. Cardinals 3-7; Ohio Bobcats 7-3.
SportsJaw odds: Ball St. Cardinals +8.5 (-117); Ohio Bobcats -8.5 (-117). Moneyline: Ball St. Cardinals +245; Ohio Bobcats -376. Total: Over 49.5 (-117); Under 49.5 (-117).