A general view of the helmet of Ball State Cardinals long snapper Garrett Mack (46) Jerome Miron-Imagn Images

What is Purdue Football's All-Time History vs. Ball State?

Originally posted on Purdue Boilermakers on SI
By Dustin Schutte | Last updated Aug 20, 2025 2:05 PM ET

A new era of Purdue football kicks off on Saturday, Aug. 30 when the Boilermakers host Ball State at Ross-Ade Stadium. Based on history, it's a pretty good opponent to start the season with for coach Barry Odom and his team.

Purdue has enjoyed plenty of success against the in-state foe since the first game on Sept. 21, 1985. The Boilermakers and Cardinals have played a total of eight times, with Purdue posting a perfect record in the head-to-head series.

This year's meeting marks the first between the two teams since Danny Hope was on the sidelines in West Lafayette, with the last game played on Sept. 18, 2010.

Here's how Purdue has performed against Ball State over the years.

Purdue vs. Ball State history

First game: Purdue def. Ball State 37-18 on Sept. 21, 1985.
Most recent game: Purdue def. Ball State 24-13 on Sept. 18, 2010.
All-time record: Purdue leads the all-time series 8-0.
Games played in West Lafayette: 8 (Purdue 8-0)
Games played in Muncie: 0
Games played at neutral site: 0

Most lopsided Purdue victory

Purdue def. Ball State 59-7 on Sept. 11, 2004

The Boilermakers had their most impressive victory over Ball State in the series in 2004, thanks to the big arm of Kyle Orton. Purdue enjoyed a 52-point win over the Cardinals at Ross-Ade Stadium, with Orton lighting up the scoreboard and throwing for 329 yards and five touchdowns while completing 23-of-26 passes. Receiver Taylor Stubblefied was on the receiving end of three of those touchdown passes.

Closest Purdue victory

Purdue def. Ball State 38-28 on Sept. 16, 2006

Ball State didn't really teeter along the lines of an upset in 2006, but it did put up a fight. The Cardinals scored the first touchdown of the afternoon and held a 10-7 advantage after the first quarter. But Purdue ultimately got itself together, went on a 31-3 run and jumped out to a 38-13 lead before Ball State scored a pair of late touchdowns in the fourth quarter to close the gap. Tight end Dustin Keller had four catches for 148 yards and a touchdown and quarterback Curtis Painter threw for 416 yards with three touchdowns and two interceptions.

Purdue's average margin of victory

Purdue has a 21.6-point average margin of victory vs. Ball State

Purdue and Ball State have had some close-ish battles over the years, but ultimately the Boilermakers' talent has prevailed. The Boilers have won each of the eight meetings by double figures and have an average margin of victory of 21.6 points per game.

This article first appeared on Purdue Boilermakers on SI and was syndicated with permission.

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