The Ball State Cardinals (1-5) visit the Bowling Green Falcons (2-4) on Saturday, October 17, 2026 at Doyt L. Perry Stadium, Bowling Green, OH. Kickoff is scheduled for 12:00 PM ET, and the game airs on ESPN+ (streaming). DraftKings lists the spread at BGSU -7.5 with a total of 44.5; moneylines are Ball State +230 · Bowling Green -285. Below is our Ball State vs Bowling Green preview with the latest odds, point spread, moneyline, over/under, kickoff time, TV channel and where to watch, plus a look at each team’s season so far, head coach and key players. Lines may move before kickoff.
Ball State vs Bowling Green Odds, Spread, Kickoff Time & TV
| Matchup detail | Line / info |
|---|---|
| Matchup | Ball State at Bowling Green |
| Records | Ball State 1-5 · Bowling Green 2-4 |
| Spread | BGSU -7.5 |
| Moneyline | Ball State +230 · Bowling Green -285 |
| Total | 44.5 |
| Venue | Doyt L. Perry Stadium, Bowling Green, OH |
| Date/Time | Saturday, October 17, 2026 · 12:00 PM ET |
| TV / How to Watch | ESPN+ (streaming) |
| Head Coaches | Ball State: HC Mike Uremovich, OC Mike Uremovich · Bowling Green: HC Eddie George, OC Greg Nosal |
Ball State Preview: Season So Far, Coach & Key Players
Season so far: The Ball State Cardinals are 1-5 overall, 0-2 in MAC play. Results to date: Sep 5 — L 56-3 at Ohio State; Sep 12 — W 41-17 vs Stony Brook; Sep 19 — L 51-15 at Liberty; Sep 26 — L 26-13 at Kent State; Oct 3 — L 39-24 vs Toledo; Oct 10 — L 45-14 at Northwestern. Most recently, Ball State lost to Northwestern 45-14 on the road. Through 6 games, Ball State is averaging 18.3 points scored and 39.0 points allowed per game.
Head coach: Mike Uremovich (head coach since 2025). Mike Uremovich also serves as offensive coordinator. Defensive coordinator: Jeff Knowles.
Key players (2026 season stats):
- Passing leader: Keldric Luster (QB) — 103/160, 871 yards, 6 TD, 4 INT
- Rushing leader: TJ Horton (RB) — 43 carries, 311 yards, 5 TD
- Receiving leader: Donovan Hamilton (WR) — 22 receptions, 273 yards, 1 TD
- Sacks leader: Kaleb Stewart (LB) — 1.5 sacks
- Tackles leader: Sterling Smith (DB) — 38 total tackles
Strengths: The production of Keldric Luster (103/160, 871 yards, 6 TD, 4 INT). Questions: A defense giving up 39.0 points per game; an offense averaging 18.3 points per game; the response to a 45-14 loss at Northwestern.
Bowling Green Preview: Season So Far, Coach & Key Players
Season so far: The Bowling Green Falcons are 2-4 overall, 2-0 in MAC play. Results to date: Sep 5 — L 20-13 vs Tarleton State; Sep 12 — L 56-7 at Nebraska; Sep 19 — L 55-7 at Iowa State; Sep 26 — L 14-6 vs South Florida; Oct 3 — W 24-20 at Miami (OH); Oct 10 — W 38-10 vs Sacramento State. Most recently, Bowling Green beat Sacramento State 38-10 at home. Through 6 games, Bowling Green is averaging 15.8 points scored and 29.2 points allowed per game.
Head coach: Eddie George (head coach since 2025). Offensive coordinator: Greg Nosal. Defensive coordinator: Joe Bowden.
Key players (2026 season stats):
- Passing leader: Jay Kastantin (QB) — 94/143, 986 yards, 5 TD, 3 INT
- Rushing leader: Austyn Dendy (RB) — 77 carries, 271 yards, 3 TD
- Receiving leader: Jeremiah Scoby (TE) — 24 receptions, 252 yards
- Sacks leader: Myles Bradley (DE) — 7 sacks
- Tackles leader: Dorian Pringle (LB) — 56 total tackles
Strengths: A pass rush paced by Myles Bradley (7 sacks). Questions: A defense allowing 29.2 points per game; an offense averaging 15.8 points per game.
How to Watch Ball State vs Bowling Green
- Date: Saturday, October 17, 2026
- Kickoff: 12:00 PM ET
- Venue: Doyt L. Perry Stadium, Bowling Green, OH
- TV / Streaming: ESPN+ (streaming)
Odds: DraftKings lines reported via ESPN as of October 12, 2026 2:12 AM PT (Arizona time). Lines may move before kickoff. Records, results and season stats via ESPN; coaching staffs per 2026 staff listings. This page is an informational matchup preview only.