Venue & Game Info
Stadium: Brigham Field at Huskie Stadium, 1525 W Lincoln Hwy, DeKalb, IL 60115
Kickoff: 3:30 PM ET (2:30 PM CT local)
Broadcast: ESPN+
Weather Forecast: 54°F, partly cloudy, winds 10–12 mph, no precipitation expected.
Team Recent Form
Ball State Cardinals:
Last game: 42-28 win vs. Akron
Offense: 17.7 PPG, 318.4 YPG
Defense: 31.0 PPG allowed, 406.7 YPG allowed
Strength: Ground game led by Qua Ashley, opportunistic defense.
Northern Illinois Huskies:
Last game: 48-21 loss vs. Ohio
Offense: 12.3 PPG, 285.6 YPG (worst in MAC)
Defense: 24.3 PPG allowed, 365.1 YPG allowed
Strength: Passing efficiency from QB Josh Holst, WR DeAree Rogers.
Injury Report
Ball State: No major injuries reported.
Northern Illinois: No significant absences, but offensive line depth remains thin.
Key Player Matchups
QB Kiael Kelly (BSU): 121 yards, 1 TD, 1 INT vs. Akron; also 58 rushing yards, 3 TD.
RB Qua Ashley (BSU): 143 yards, 1 TD last week; averages 5.9 YPC.
WR Koby Gross (BSU): 81 yards, 1 TD vs. Akron.
QB Josh Holst (NIU): 161 yards, 2 TD vs. Ohio; also 48 rushing yards.
RB Telly Johnson Jr. (NIU): 64 yards on 11 carries vs. Ohio.
WR DeAree Rogers (NIU): 107 yards, 1 TD last week.
Series History
All-time: Tied 25–25–2.
Trophy: Battle for the Bronze Stalk (since 2008).
Recent: Ball State has won 3 straight, including 20-17 in 2024.
Note: With NIU leaving the MAC after 2025, this could be the last meeting for years.
Betting Trends
Ball State: 5-2 ATS this season; 3-0 ATS as underdog of 5+ points.
Northern Illinois: 1-6 ATS; 0-1 ATS as favorite of 5+ points.
Totals: Ball State 3 of 7 OVER; NIU 2 of 7 OVER.
Head-to-Head: Ball State 3-1 SU last 4 vs. NIU; 3-1 ATS in that span.
Game Odds
Ball State Cardinals 42.5
Northern Illinois Huskies – 6.5
Odds Courtesy of Sports Odd Direct as of Friday, October 24, 2025
