Purdue vs Ball State Prediction, Game Preview & Betting Lines

Originally posted on College Football News
By Pete Fiutak | Last updated Aug 26, 2025 5:35 PM ET

Two new coaches in schools two hours away from each other will try to get their respective teams past a rough run.

It's possible to win at Ball State, but it hasn't happened since winning the 2020 MAC Championship. New head man Mike Uremovich went to Purdue, has been around the coaching ranks, and his defense should rise up with a little bit of work.

Barry Odom was a great get for Purdue. Good at Missouri, historic at UNLV, he's getting another Power Four head coaching chance, and with this, and Southern Illinois next week, he has a shot to double last year's Boilermaker win total just past the first week of September.

College Football 2025 Week 1: Purdue vs Ball State Odds, Prediction & Preview

Purdue vs Ball State How To Watch
Date: Saturday, August 30, 2025
Game Time: 12:00 PM ET
TV: BTN
Location: Ross-Ade Stadium, West Lafayette, IN

Why Ball State Will Win

Odom might be a whale of a head coach, but there's a TON of work to do before Purdue gets back up to speed.

The offensive front is piecing it all together, the skill parts are just okay, and the defense might need a game or four before all the main men are in place.

Ball State has more returning veterans, the ground game under the new coaching staff will instantly improve, and ...

Why Purdue Will Win

The Ball State has about 50 miles to go before it's even mediocre.

Totally awful last season, it got ripped apart by just about everyone. Yes, it's an experienced bunch, and yes, the new coaches will figure this out, but Purdue should look great right away.

New offensive coordinator Josh Henson will be an instant help, the Boilermakers have options to play around with, and ...

Purdue vs Ball State Who Will Win

There won't be an instant fix for either team.

Ball State was 3-9, and far closer to being 0-12 last season than 6-6. To keep going with this, the coaches are strong, and the team should be competent, but the Big Ten talent on the Purdue side will rise up early.

It won't be anything pretty, but after losing 11 in a row, Purdue will take the W.

Purdue vs Ball State Prediction, Betting Lines

Purdue 37, Ball State 16
Consensus Line: Purdue -18.5, o/u: 50.5
ATS Confidence out of 5: 2
Must See Rating: 2

Consensus Line from BetMGM, Caesars, DraftKings, and FanDuel. Game odds refresh periodically and are subject to change. If you or someone you know has a gambling problem and wants help, call 1-800-GAMBLER.

This article first appeared on College Football News and was syndicated with permission.

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