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The Ball State Cardinals (2-6, 1-3 MAC) and Bowling Green Falcons (4-4, 2-2) meet Wednesday at Doyt L. Perry Stadium in Bowling Green, Ohio. Kickoff is scheduled for 7 p.m. ET (ESPN2). Below, we analyze BetMGM Sportsbook’s lines around the Ball State vs. Bowling Green odds, and make our expert college football picks and predictions.
It’s hard to believe these MAC teams haven’t faced each other since 2015 in Muncie, and the last time they met in Bowling Green was a 41-24 win by Ball State in 2014. The last win for the Cardinals at Bowling Green came way back in 1996, as the Falcons have won 7 of 8 meetings since 1999.
The Cardinals entered last week’s game against Central Michigan with a 1-6 straight up (SU) record, but Ball State isn’t waving the white towel just yet. It picked up a 24-17 win against the Chippewas, and the Cards have covered the past 2 outings after a 1-5 against the spread (ATS) start. Bowl eligibility is still possible, but Ball State needs to win out.
The Falcons opened the season 1-3 SU, including losses to unbeaten and ranked Michigan and Liberty teams. This team also has conference losses at home to Ohio, and on the road against Miami (Ohio), but it also scored an impressive win at Georgia Tech on Sept. 30.
Bowling Green has been a bit of a Jekyll and Hyde team, posting 24 or more points 5 times, while going for 7 or fewer points in the other 3 outings.
The Under is 4-2 in the past 6 games for the Falcons, while the total has gone low in 3 straight for the Cardinals.
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Ball State at Bowling Green odds
Provided by BetMGM Sportsbook; access USA TODAY Sports Scores and Sports Betting Odds hub for a full list. Lines last updated at 12:31 a.m. ET.
- Moneyline (ML): Ball State +180 (bet $100 to win $180) | Bowling Green -225 (bet $225 to win $100)
- Against the spread (ATS): Ball State +5.5 (-110) | Bowling Green -5.5 (-110)
- Over/Under (O/U): 39.5 (O: -115 | U: -105)
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Ball State at Bowling Green picks and predictions
Prediction
Bowling Green 27, Ball State 20
Moneyline
Backing Bowling Green (-225) and risking more than twice your potential return is a bit risky. The Falcons have managed nice wins at Buffalo and at Georgia Tech, but this team has also completely checked out in losses of 27 or more points against Miami (Ohio) and Ohio U.
PASS.
Against the spread
BOWLING GREEN -5.5 (-110) is worth a roll of the dice, although be careful, as this will be closer than some think. Ball State +5.5 (-110) has been playing competitive football lately, covering the spread in the past 2 outings.
The Falcons are coming off a 41-14 win over MAC doormat Akron, and Bowling Green has won and covered 3 of the past 4 outings, with the lone exception an egg-laying at Miami (Ohio).
Over/Under
OVER 39.5 (-115) is worth a look in this Hump Day MAC affair.
The weather won’t be as treacherous as we saw in Toledo and in Mount Pleasant, Mich., on Tuesday night, with snow and ice on the ground in both venus. Temperatures will be in the mid-40’s, with a slight chill in the air, but a fast track and no real wind to speak of.
For Bowling Green, the Over has cashed in 2 of the past 3 games at home, while Ball State as posted the Under in 3 in a row. The Cardinals did show some signs of life on offense last week with 24 points, but it is averaging just 16.1 PPG on offense, ranking 129th in the nation. That’s why the books have set this total so low.
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