It’s the return of the MAC-tion!
Yes, midweek MAC-tion returns to the college football schedule, including a stunningly important matchup between the Kent State Golden Flashes and the Ball State Cardinals.
Normally, two of the worst teams in the country, but the unpredictable MAC-tion has them each at 2-2 in the conference, making this essentially a conference title eliminator game!
How much more MAC-tion can you get than that? Well, by making some Kent State vs. Ball State predictions and college football picks on Wednesday, November 5, of course.
Want to make sure Covers shows up often in your Google search results and Discover feed?
Simply click here and add Covers as one of your "source preferences".
Kent State vs Ball State prediction
Kent State vs Ball State best bet: Dru DeShields Over 1.5 touchdown passes (+172)
Now, normally, when you think of the Kent State Golden Flashes and Ball State Cardinals, you think of two of the worst teams in the FBS. And while that’s still technically true, the scrappy and unpredictable nature of the MAC has both of these traditional bottom feeders at 2-2 in conference play.
A near loss to FCS Merrimack must have lit a fire under the Golden Flashes because they are 5-2 ATS since then. That includes a near-upset over Buffalo as 24-point underdogs and outright wins over UMass and Bowling Green.
Ball State is also 5-2 ATS in its last seven games and has earned conference wins over Akron and upset Ohio as 14.5-point dogs.
However, despite their scrappy play at times this season, the advanced stats say they are still two of the worst teams in the country. That said, my money is on Kent State being the ever-so-slightly better team in this matchup.
What has moved Kent State out of the realm of complete dumpster fire - giving it the slight edge in this matchup - is the play of quarterback Dru DeShields.
DeShields has thrown eight touchdowns to just one interception and ranks second in the conference in QB efficiency, and he’s got a great opportunity to keep that going tonight.
Ball State ranks 116th in EPA per dropback and 120th in success rate on dropbacks while allowing the second-most passing TDs in conference play this season. I love the price for DeShields to throw a pair of scores in this one.
Kent State vs Ball State same-game parlay
Kent State vs. Ball State in prime time on a Wednesday night is peak MAC-tion. While no one is confusing this for an SEC matchup, this game could be a little fun. It should be a close matchup, but DeShields gives the Golden Flashes the edge.
He has Kent State ranked 106th in EPA per dropback (which is relatively incredible) and slightly ahead of Ball State in EPA margin this season, with the Golden Flashes ranking 126th to the Cardinals at 133rd. The wrong team is favored, and I’ll back Kent State on the moneyline.
That said, the Golden Flashes defense will keep the Cardinals in this game. They rank 121st in defensive success rate and 126th in EPA per dropback. Ball State QB Kiael Kelly has been unspectacular, to put it nicely, but will have a chance to go Over this modest passing yards prop of 160.5.
Kent State vs Ball State SGP
- Dru DeShields Over 1.5 touchdown passes
- Kent State moneyline
- Kiael Kelly Over 160.5 passing yards
Our deep-ball SGP: Just the way they Dru it up
If I'm betting Dru DeShields to toss multiple touchdowns in this game, one is likely going to Cade Wolford, who already has six receiving TDs this season.
Kent State vs Ball State SGP
- Dru DeShields Over 1.5 touchdown passes
- Kent State moneyline
- Kiael Kelly Over 160.5 passing yards
- Cade Wolford anytime touchdown
Kent State vs Ball State odds
- Spread: Kent State +2.5 | Ball State -2.5
- Moneyline: Kent State +108 | Ball State -126
- Over/Under: Over 47.5 | Under 47.5
Kent State vs Ball State trend to know
Kent State has hit the Team Total Over in five of its last seven games for +2.30 Units and a 26% ROI. Find more college football betting trends for Kent State vs Ball State.
How to watch Kent State vs Ball State
| Location | Scheumann Stadium, Muncie, IN |
| Date | Wednesday, November 5, 2025 |
| Kickoff | 7:00 p.m. ET |
| TV | ESPNU |
Kent State vs Ball State latest injuries
Kent State vs Ball State weather
Monitor gametime conditions with our College football weather info.
Odds are correct at the time of publishing and are subject to change.
Not intended for use in MA.
Affiliate Disclosure: Our team of experts has thoroughly researched and handpicked each product that appears on our website. We may receive compensation if you sign up through our links.
