The UMass Minutemen are favored by 3 points against Ball State in Wednesday's Midweek MACtion college football contest, according to odds from DraftKings. This matchup is significant for UMass, as a win would bring them closer to securing their first-ever bowl game appearance.
Under head coach Joe Harasymiak, UMass has shown marked improvement. Since joining FBS in 2012, the program had never won more than four games in a season, and last year they were the only FBS team to finish winless. Harasymiak's current team holds a 4-4 record, with notable results including a season-opening blowout win at Rutgers and competitive one-score losses to Buffalo and Miami (Ohio). While they have had a couple of off games against Eastern Michigan and UConn, the overall trajectory has been encouraging.
Ball State enters the game with a 3-5 record and a 2-2 conference standing. The Cardinals have won their last two games, but those victories were against struggling teams Bowling Green and Sacramento State. Their previous performances against stronger competition have been less successful, with significant losses to Ohio State and Northwestern, and uncompetitive showings against Liberty, Kent State, and Toledo.
UMass boasts a stronger overall record and a more favorable statistical profile. Playing at home, the Minutemen are expected by oddsmakers to continue their push toward a historic bowl bid. The New York Post betting preview suggests UMass deserves more respect than the current spread indicates, with a recommended play on UMass -3.