Ball State Cardinals
American Football NCAAF Huskie Stadium Sat 25 Oct 15:30
Northern Illinois Huskies (NIU)
  1. Prediction
  2. SGP Picks
  3. Odds
  4. Player Props
  5. Stats
  6. Standings

College Football Betting Preview: Ball State vs Northern Illinois

Ball State battle Northern Illinois in this NCAAF Week 9 matchup at Huskie Stadium, with kickoff scheduled for 15:30 on Saturday, October 25. Our betting preview features expert predictions, picks, the latest betting odds and H2H stats.

Get With NIU to Cover the Line

Our prediction is for Northern Illinois to cover the attractive -5.5 line in their clash against Ball State. The favorites should be able to triumph by a more comfortable margin and -115 is available on the spread.

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Ball State H2H Record Includes 5 Wins in 6

Ball State Cardinals have lost four straight road games. Their most recent appearance was a 42-28 home win over Akron Zips at Scheumann Stadium.

Northern Illinois Huskies have been defeated in their last six games. On the road, they recently suffered a 48-21 loss against Ohio Bobcats at Peden Stadium.

Head-to-Head Statistics

Ball State triumphed 25-23 when they last played Northern Illinois. This head-to-head was played at Scheumann Stadium. It’s been five Ball State wins in the past 6 games between these teams.

Ball State vs Northern Illinois Prediction & Picks

Our Ball State vs Northern Illinois tips include the main match prediction, a correct score forecast and bet builder picks. Each section below offers expert insight into the key betting angles.

Game Prediction

We’re very excited to see Northern Illinois at -5.5 on the spread in this college football battle. We think it’s a great number for the betting favorites to cover at -115.

The CFB handicappers at Sportsgambler.com regularly track injury updates and pair that with current form. We also tap into a deep stats database to highlight the key numbers that help shape our picks.

Key Ball State vs Northern Illinois stats:

  • The +5.5 line hasn’t been covered by Ball State in 5 consecutive games on the road.
  • The +5.5 line hasn’t been covered by Ball State in 7 of their last 10 games on the road.
  • The +5.5 line hasn’t been covered by Ball State in 13 of their last 20 games on the road.

NIU -5.5 Probability

According to the top sportsbooks, our pick has a 53.5% chance of delivering a return. Based on our in-depth research, we calculate the actual probability to be closer to 60%. The wager can be recommended for this precise reason.

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There are lots of ways to back NIU and that includes the Winning Margin lines. Choose from a range of fixed intervals and get rewarded if you’re on the money.

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Our Game Prediction
Northern Illinois -5.5 @ -115 Bet Now BetMGM logo
BetMGM logo
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Disclosure: This preview contains affiliate links; we may earn a commission at no extra cost to you. T&Cs apply. We only recommend licensed and regulated operators. See our Editorial Policy. Pick odds and lines reflect the price available at the time of publication (22:27, 23 October 2025). Live market odds are updated regularly and may differ. 18+ (or legal age) | Gamble Responsibly.
Published 22:27, 23 October 2025

Same Game Parlay Picks

Spread NIU -5.5
Totals Under 42.5
Highest Scoring Half Second Half

We’ve compiled a same game parlay that includes Northern Illinois -5.5 on the spread, along with Under 42.5 and the Second Half to have the most points.

A same game parlay allows bettors to place a multiple wager on the same football game. You can go through the available betting lines and cherry-pick the outcomes that you think will happen. The odds for each selection are then combined together.

Pick odds and lines correct at publication. Live market odds are updated regularly and may differ. T&Cs apply. 18+ (or legal age) | Gamble Responsibly.

Correct Score Prediction

Ball State Ball State logo 13 - 23 Northern Illinois logo Northern Illinois

There’s a massive payout on the cards should you correctly predict the correct score. We’re siding with Northern Illinois to enjoy a 23-13 victory which will hopefully go close.

T&Cs apply. 18+ (or legal age) | Gamble Responsibly.

Ball State vs Northern Illinois Odds

The odds and lines below are updated regularly and may differ from the prices shown in our picks, which are captured at the time of publication.

Books Expecting a NIU Victory

The Northern Illinois odds have been priced up by the sportsbooks and they are -227 betting favorites to land victory in this college game which means a 69% chance of winning. Ball State are the underdogs at +188 and they’re regarded as least likely to win.

The spread is currently 6.5, with the total points line at 42.5. There is no denying the popularity of wagering on the Totals. If you fancy Under 42.5, then the odds are -118.

When it comes to college football, the top betting apps deliver a wide variety of game lines and team props. With so many options available, it’s worth taking your time to find the wager that fits your view of the matchup.

Player Props & Micro Betting

As an alternative to the game lines, check out the player prop bets that are available. It’s especially great if you have a view when it comes to First, Last or Anytime Touchdown Scorer, while there are lots of other player and quarterback options.

Among the various options for wagering on college football, you will find that micro betting is provided. It focuses on short-term in-game outcomes such as whether a touchdown will be scored within the next few minutes.

Live market odds and lines updated regularly. All odds subject to change. T&Cs apply. 18+ (or legal age) | Gamble Responsibly.
Best Betting Offers
Huskie Stadium
Huskie Stadium

Northern Illinois Have Collected Six Wins in Past Ten Home Games

Northern Illinois have gone 6-4 across their last 10 home games, putting up 22.40 points on average and giving up 17.00.

Ball State have endured seven consecutive losses away from home. They are 1-9 in their last 10 road games, averaging 18.90 points scored and 39.80 points allowed.

Ball State beat Northern Illinois 20-17 when the teams last met at Huskie Stadium. Looking at the last 3 head-to-heads at Huskie Stadium, Ball State have tallied two victories, with Northern Illinois winning once.

Last 10 Games W-L P PF PA O42.5 U42.5
Northern Illinois logo Northern Illinois Home Stats 6-4 39.40 22.40 17.00 4 6
Ball State logo Ball State Away Stats 1-9 58.70 18.90 39.80 7 3
  • W-L = Wins-Losses
  • P = Avg. Points
  • PF = Avg. Points For
  • PA = Avg. Points Against
  • O42.5 = Games Over 42.5 Points
  • U42.5 = Games Under 42.5 Points
Last 5 & H2H
Team Stats

Latest regular season and playoff games stats.

Ball State Cardinals logo Ball State Cardinals Stats
Northern Illinois Huskies logo Northern Illinois Huskies Stats
Moneyline
  • 3 wins and 7 defeats in the last 10 games
  • 1 win and 9 defeats in the last 10 games on the road
Moneyline
  • 3 wins and 7 defeats in the last 10 games
  • 6 wins and 4 defeats in the last 10 home games
Point Spread
Point Spread
Total Points
Total Points
NCAAF Standings Select Season
Mid-American W L PF PA N. Pts Home Away Strk
Western Michigan 9 4 307 237 70 6-1 3-3 5W
Ohio 8 4 344 275 69 6-0 2-4 2W
Toledo 8 4 379 146 233 6-0 2-4 4W
Central Michigan 7 5 286 272 14 4-1 3-4 1L
Miami (OH) 7 6 326 286 40 4-2 3-4 1L
Akron 5 7 267 329 -62 3-3 2-4 1W
Buffalo 5 7 288 282 6 2-5 3-2 3L
Kent State 5 7 255 403 -148 3-2 2-5 1W
Ball State 4 8 190 358 -168 4-1 0-7 3L
Eastern Michigan 4 8 289 357 -68 3-3 1-5 1L
Bowling Green 4 8 246 291 -45 3-3 1-5 1W
Northern Illinois 3 9 205 292 -87 2-4 1-5 2L
UMass 0 12 133 463 -330 0-6 0-6 12L