College Football Faces 'Ugliest Game' of Season: Ball State vs. Sacramento State

Saturday's college football game between Ball State and Sacramento State is poised to be the least aesthetically pleasing contest of the season, according to betting analysts. The matchup features two teams struggling in the current season, with Ball State (2-5) being made a 14.5-point favorite over Sacramento State (1-6). Sacramento State, in its first year at the FBS level, has faced significant challenges. The team is 0-6 against FBS opponents this season, with an average margin of defeat of 29.3 points. This includes two losses by 40 points or more, most recently against Ohio on homecoming. Despite Sacramento State's struggles, oddsmakers have set a substantial point spread. Ball State, ranked 131st out of 138 FBS teams by SP+, is considered the favorite. The Cardinals' overall record is 2-5, and their record against FBS opponents is 1-5. Ball State's performance this season has been marked by defensive struggles. They are allowing an average of 41.3 points per game, ranking 134th in the Football Bowl Subdivision. Their defense is also yielding 6.8 yards per play and 9.2 yards per pass, placing them 131st and 135th, respectively, in these metrics. According to SP+, Ball State's defense is rated as the 135th-best in FBS. While Sacramento State's offense has also faltered, analysts suggest it may be capable of scoring against Ball State's defense. The prediction favors Sacramento State to keep the game within the 14.5-point spread.