Odds, players to watch, storylines, series history and more as Toledo football travels to Ball State
The Toledo Rockets travel to face the Ball State Cardinals in the MAC opener on Saturday, October 3, at 2:00 PM at Scheumann Stadium in Muncie. Check out our preview, including odds, players to watch, storylines and series history!
Odds
Toledo is a 19.5-point favorite over Ball State according to FanDuel Sportsbook, with the over/under placed at 51.5 total points.
The Rockets secured a 41-16 statement win over San Diego State and can improve to 4-1 with a victory at Ball State this week.
ESPN’s matchup predictor gives Toledo a 94.0% chance to win, so the Rockets should be able to roll to a blowout win.
Players to Watch
Toledo is fueled by quarterback John Alan Richter, wide receiver Bryson Hammer (career-best 133 receiving yards, 2 touchdowns), running back Connor Walendzak, linebacker Isaac Zay (team-high 34 tackles, 2 interceptions) and defensive end Andrew Zock.
Meanwhile, Ball State is led by SMU transfer quarterback Keldric Luster and Purdue transfer defensive back Sterling Smith.
Storylines
The Rockets are looking to open MAC play with an impressive win on the road to improve to 4-1 and secure a fourth straight win.
Even though Ball State is among the worst teams in the MAC with a 1-3 record, Toledo has to remain focused on the task at hand and avoid complacency because it’s always difficult to go on the road in conference play, and a loss could derail the season.
Series History
The conference opponents have squared off nearly every year for the last five decades, dating back to the first meeting in 1975.
Toledo owns a 28-21-1 edge in the all-time series, including an 8-2 mark in the last 10 matchups and a 12-12 record on the road.
A year ago, the Rockets completely dominated Ball State 38-9 to clinch a fourth consecutive victory over the Cardinals.
Game Information
- Date: Saturday, October 3
- Time: 2:00 PM ET
- Location: Scheumann Stadium in Muncie
- TV: ESPN+
