The highly anticipated matchup between the Ball State Cardinals and the Miami RedHawks is set for Saturday, November 29, at 12:00 p.m. ET, taking place at Yager Stadium in Oxford, Ohio. Fans can catch the game live on CBS Sports Network. The RedHawks are favored in this contest, entering with a -17.5 spread and an over/under line set at 42.5 points. Historically, Miami holds the advantage in this rivalry, leading the all-time series 24-13-1, including a hard-fought 27-21 victory during their last meeting on November 5, 2024. Miami is currently on a five-game winning streak against Ball State dating back to 2020.
As rivalry week kicks off, a newly commissioned trophy—the Red Bird Rivalry Trophy—is on the line. First introduced in 2017, Miami has dominated the trophy’s possession, claiming it seven out of the eight times it has been contested. This year, however, the stakes are even higher for the RedHawks as they vie for a Mid-American Conference (MAC) championship. A win against Ball State will secure Miami’s place in the MAC title game for the third consecutive year, regardless of the outcome in the Toledo vs. Central Michigan game.
The Cardinals, who stand at 4-7 with a 3-4 record in the MAC, found their hopes of bowl eligibility dashed after two disappointing losses against Eastern Michigan and Toledo. While a .500 finish in conference play is still possible, Ball State must significantly improve its offensive performance. The team’s scoring has been lackluster, with only one game surpassing 20 points in conference play this season. Ball State ranks among the lowest in FBS for scoring, total offense, and passing offenses, largely due to injuries that have sidelined key players, including starting running back Qua Ashley. Freshman Jalen Bonds has stepped up in Ashley’s absence, showing promise with 112 yards from scrimmage in a recent game, alongside mobile quarterback Kiael Kelly, who has been their leading rusher.
Despite these challenges, Ball State’s defense has shown strength, highlighted by performances that include a notable upset against reigning champion Ohio. Defensive end Nathan Voorhis has been a standout force with his consistent disruption of opposing backfields, contributing significantly to the defensive success. The Cardinals will look to capitalize on recent momentum, as cornerback Joedrick Lewis has been instrumental with interceptions in three straight games.
Miami’s path to victory rests on its well-rounded squad, which head coach Chuck Martin has expertly molded into a contender. Having revamped its offensive lineup, Miami now relies on redshirt freshman quarterback Thomas Gotkowski, who excelled in his first major test by throwing for 185 yards and rushing for two touchdowns against Buffalo. The RedHawks’ running game, led by Jordan Brunson, has also gained traction, with Brunson recording a season-high 123 rushing yards most recently.
The RedHawks boast an explosive offense mixed with a tenacious defense, ranking 32nd in total defense among FBS teams. Players like linebacker Adam Trick and safety duo Silas Walters and Eli Blakey have been key contributors in stopping opposing offenses, making this matchup particularly challenging for a struggling Ball State offense.
Given the distinct strengths of Miami’s defense against Ball State’s lackluster offense, the upcoming game presents a promising scenario for the RedHawks. With their playoff hopes on the line and a rivalry trophy at stake, Miami appears poised to continue its winning ways and secure a spot in the MAC Championship Game.