Ohio State vs Ball State Prediction: Let's See What This Buckeye O Can Do
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Spoiler alert: We’re predicting Ohio State will beat Ball State.
That’s not the point of the season opener. This game is about Ohio State taking an offense that’s almost unfairly loaded with superstar talent and turning it loose.
Last year, there was no need to stress-test the machine. The defense allowed 16 points or fewer in every game until the 24-14 College Football Playoff loss to Miami. All the offense had to do was be efficient, and all would be fine, but when the team needed the attack to show up in the Big Ten Championship against Indiana and in key moments against the Hurricanes, it stalled.
With Texas up next, will Ohio State try to set a tone for the season, or will it still be too cool for most schools?
Ohio State vs Ball State: Quick Hits
- Ohio State has won 25 straight season openers and 37 of the last 38. The last loss was to Miami to open up the 1999 campaign.
- The last time Ball State beat a power conference team was in 2013 against Virginia. The last time it beat a Big Ten team was 2012 against … Indiana.
- Get ready for this game to be all about the hype for what’s next – Ohio State at Texas. Ball State gets Stony Brook in Muncie.
How To Watch Ohio State vs Ball State
Date: Saturday, September 5, 2026
Game Time: 12:30 pm ET
TV: BTN
Location: Ohio Stadium, Columbus, OH
– CFN Week 1 Schedule, Predictions
Why Ball State Will Win
The Cardinals should have enough of an offense to at least make the revamped Buckeye defense work a little bit. New quarterback Keldric Luster from Texas Tech can move behind a line loaded with experience. On the other side of the ball, Ball State has size on the front line on a defense full of solid transfers.
– Ball State 2026 Preview
Why Ohio State Will Win
Let’s put it out there because it really might be true – this could be Ohio State’s best receiver room yet.
Jeremiah Smith should be a New York Jet right now – he almost certainly would’ve been the No. 2 overall pick had he been eligible. Brandon Inniss, UTSA’s Devin McCuin, and LSU’s Kyle Parker are all fantastic, and true freshman Chris Henry Jr. is the next superstar Buckeye receiver.
– Ohio State 2026 Preview
Ohio State vs Ball State Prediction, Betting Lines
Ohio State might be reloading on the defensive side, but it’ll look like business as usual as all of the new starters take their respective games up a few notches – this group will look very, very fast.
The offense will put this away after the first two drives. There won’t be any messing around here. The Buckeyes will make their point in a fantastic first 30 minutes.
Ohio State 55, Ball State 7
Latest Consensus Line: Ohio State -50.5, o/u: 56.5
ATS Confidence (out of 5): 1.5
Must See Rating (out of 5): 2
Consensus line based on BetMGM, Caesars, DraftKings, and FanDuel. Game odds refresh periodically and are subject to change. If you or someone you know has a gambling problem and wants help, call 1-800-GAMBLER.
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