As Week 3 of the 2025 college football season unfolds, the New Hampshire Wildcats are set to travel to Muncie, Indiana to take on the Ball State Cardinals. The game will be held at Scheumann Stadium, with the kickoff scheduled for 2:00 PM on Saturday, September 13. Football fans can catch the action live on ESPN+.
The New Hampshire Wildcats come into this game with a 0-1 record, having previously fallen short against UCF. With no conference affiliation, the Wildcats aim to improve their standing in this early-season matchup. Their performance against UCF saw them struggle offensively, tallying only 95 passing yards and 71 rushing yards.
Meanwhile, the Ball State Cardinals are looking to rebound from a challenging start, currently holding a 0-2 record. Both of their losses came on the road against formidable opponents in Auburn and Purdue. Despite the setbacks, playing at home for the first time this season in their Mid-American Conference stadium could provide the Cardinals with a much-needed boost.
Ball State vs New Hampshire At a Glance
- Game Location: Scheumann Stadium in Muncie, IN
- Game Date and Time: Saturday, September 13, 2025, at 2:00 PM
- TV Channel: ESPN+
- New Hampshire Wildcats Record: 0-1
- Ball State Cardinals Record: 0-2
- Game Odds: Ball State -117, New Hampshire -104
Ball State Cardinals Aim for Redemption Against New Hampshire
Offensive Performance Challenges
Ball State’s offense has had a difficult start in the 2025 season, scoring only 3 points over their first two games. Their passing game ranks 147th with a total of 158 yards, highlighting significant room for improvement. Rushing has also been problematic, with just 113 yards so far, placing them 132nd in the nation.
The team has struggled to move the chains effectively, achieving only 6 first downs against Auburn and 13 against Purdue. These numbers point to a need for better execution and play-calling as they prepare to host New Hampshire.
Defensive Highlights and Areas for Improvement
Defensively, Ball State has shown promise with their ability to generate pressure, ranking 4th in sacks with 7 so far this season. However, their defense has also allowed 73 points, placing them 60th nationally. Improving their defensive consistency will be crucial as they aim to contain the New Hampshire Wildcats.
The Cardinals have been effective at recovering fumbles, ranking 5th with one recovery in the early going. This knack for creating turnovers could be a key factor in their upcoming game.
Key Players to Watch
Quarterback Kiael Kelly has thrown for 158 yards without any touchdowns or interceptions, needing to elevate his performance to lead the offense more effectively. Running back Qua Ashley has recorded 55 rushing yards across two games, and will be looking to break through for bigger gains against New Hampshire.
On the receiving end, Eric Weatherly has been a consistent target, tallying 50 receiving yards on six receptions. The Cardinals will rely on his ability to create separation and generate plays downfield.
Upcoming Game Outlook
The Cardinals are set to host the New Hampshire Wildcats at Scheumann Stadium. With their current offensive struggles, the focus will be on generating scoring opportunities and sustaining drives. A home game provides an ideal setting to turn their season around and capture their first win.
Betting Trends
- Ball State has failed to cover the spread in their first two games of the 2025 season.
- The total has gone under in both games they have played this season.
- Ball State has not scored a touchdown in their last two outings.
New Hampshire Wildcats: Analyzing Their Current Season Performance
Offensive Challenges
The New Hampshire Wildcats have struggled offensively this season. They rank 136th in points for with just 3 points scored in their last game. Their passing and rushing yards are ranked 198th and 192nd respectively, highlighting their offensive woes.
In their recent game against UCF Knights, the Wildcats managed only 95 passing yards and 71 rushing yards. These figures underscore the team’s need for significant improvement in their offensive strategies.
Defensive Strengths
On the defensive side, the Wildcats have shown some promising statistics. They rank 25th in points against, having conceded 57 points in their latest game. Despite this high figure, their ranking suggests they have the potential to limit scoring against weaker opponents.
The Wildcats’ defense has been effective in creating turnovers, with 2nd rank in interceptions and 15th in fumbles recovered. These defensive metrics could be pivotal in turning the tide in their favor in upcoming games.
Quarterback Performance
Seth Morgan, leading the Wildcats as quarterback, managed to accumulate 95 passing yards against the Knights. However, he threw two interceptions which is a concern for the team’s overall offensive performance.
Matt Vezza also took the field but did not contribute passing yards, touchdowns, or interceptions in the game. His performance remains an area for potential development as the season progresses.
Key Players to Watch
Isaac Seide leads the rushing efforts with 13 yards, while Myles Thomason contributed 20 rushing yards. Though these numbers are low, both players have shown capability in past performances and will be crucial for future games.
Wide receiver Logan Tomlinson made 6 receptions for 73 yards, standing out as a significant contributor to the passing game. His performance could be key for the Wildcats to improve their offensive output.
Betting Trends
- New Hampshire Wildcats are currently struggling offensively, ranked low in both passing and rushing yards.
- Defensively, they excel in creating turnovers, notably in interceptions.
- Key players to watch include QB Seth Morgan and WR Logan Tomlinson for offensive impact.
- Defensive strengths could be pivotal against teams with weaker offenses.
Ball State vs New Hampshire Prediction: Over 47.5
The upcoming game between Ball State and New Hampshire features teams that have struggled defensively early this season. Ball State has allowed 73 points in their first two games, indicating a vulnerability that New Hampshire may exploit. This defensive weakness suggests the possibility of a high-scoring game.
Offensively, both teams have had minimal production, with each scoring only three points in their recent outings. However, the struggling defenses provide a potential for the offenses to find their rhythm. Given these factors, the likelihood of the combined score exceeding 47.5 points is increased.
Both teams will be eager to secure their first win of the season, which can lead to aggressive and more open play styles. New Hampshire’s defense allowed 57 points in their last game of the previous season, indicating possible vulnerabilities. This scenario is conducive to an over 47.5 point total.
Considering the defensive stats and the potential for both teams to capitalize on each other’s weaknesses, a projected final score of Ball State 28 – New Hampshire 24 aligns well with the over 47.5 pick. This matchup at Scheumann Stadium should see plenty of scoring opportunities.
- Ball State vs New Hampshire Prediction: Over 47.5
- Ball State vs New Hampshire Score: Ball State 28 – New Hampshire 24
