Ball State Cardinals at Ohio Bobcats prediction, start time and team news on Nov. 17, 2026

Cardinals at Bobcats on Tuesday, Nov. 17, pairs a 7-3 Bobcats team tied for first in the Mid-American Conference with a 3-7 Cardinals team already eliminated from bowl contention. The Bobcats are 5-1 in conference play, and the Cardinals are 2-4.

Both teams arrive off midweek losses. The Bobcats let a 17-0 lead slip in a 34-17 defeat against the Miami RedHawks on Nov. 10, and the Cardinals lost 28-7 to Buffalo on Nov. 11. Kickoff at Peden Stadium is 7:00 p.m. ET.

This article is for informational purposes only and should not be construed as financial or investment advice. Past performance does not guarantee future results.

When is Cardinals vs Bobcats?

• Date: Tuesday, November 17, 2026
• Kickoff: 7:00 p.m. ET
• Competition: College football
• Home team: Bobcats
• Cardinals win: 26%
• Bobcats win: 77%

Toledo visits Peden Stadium at noon ET on Friday, Nov. 27, so Tuesday is the Bobcats' last game before a meeting that could decide a conference title game spot. Check what college football markets are available today.

What is the Cardinals vs Bobcats prediction?

The Bobcats are favorites at 77%, with the Cardinals at 26%. These percentages reflect the market's implied probabilities, not guaranteed outcomes, and prices can change as traders react to new information. Market data as of November 13, 2026. For the latest market probabilities, check the OG.com platform.

The Bobcats' case starts on the ground. They average 185 rushing yards per game, while the Cardinals allow 192, which ranks 124th nationally, according to ESPN team statistics. That gap gives running back Duncan Brune and quarterback Nick Poulos a clear route to control the clock.

That route stalled at Miami. Brune gained 40 yards in the first half and 7 in the second, and the Bobcats did not score after halftime. Coach John Hauser said pressure on Poulos affected the second half, when the Bobcats faced repeated long third downs.

The Cardinals have a credible route of their own through Keldric Luster and TJ Horton. Luster has thrown for 1,618 yards and 10 touchdowns, and Horton has 528 rushing yards and nine scores. Hauser said Luster "can throw it, run it and he's big."

Cardinals vs Bobcats win probabilities

• Cardinals win: 26%
• Bobcats win: 77%

A 77% price makes the Bobcats clear favorites at home. It still leaves room for a Cardinals running game that Hauser called effective, and for a Bobcats offense that has been shut out in the second half twice this season.

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How could Cardinals vs Bobcats unfold?

Two game states shape both teams' paths: a fast Bobcats start and a tight fourth quarter.

What happens if the Bobcats score first?

The Bobcats have shown they can start quickly. Against the RedHawks, Poulos threw an 8-yard touchdown pass to Riley Neer, and Brune scored from the 1-yard line in a 17-0 start.

A similar opening would test a Cardinals offense that scores 21.3 points per game, ranked 112th, and converts 33.8% of its third downs, ranked 117th. Catching up is difficult for that group.

The Bobcats allow 22.9 points per game and hold opponents to 36.8% on third down. A two-score deficit would push the Cardinals away from the run game they prefer.

What happens if the Cardinals keep it close?

The Cardinals can stay in a game. They played Buffalo even until the final four minutes, and they beat Bowling Green 32-31 on Oct. 17 behind 240 rushing yards.

A tight fourth quarter would test the Bobcats' finishing. They were outscored 27-0 in the second half at Miami, and Poulos threw his first interception of the season on the final drive.

What is the latest team news?

Quarterback form drives the news for both teams after their midweek losses.

What is the latest on the Cardinals?

The Cardinals (3-7, 2-4) were eliminated from bowl contention by the Buffalo loss. Head coach Mike Uremovich, who also calls the offensive plays, took the blame after the Cardinals reached inside Buffalo's 30-yard line six times without scoring.

Luster completed 20 of 39 passes for 136 yards in that game, and Horton ran for 92 yards on 11 carries. Defensive back Gabe Aramboles, who missed five games with an injury, recovered a blocked punt for a touchdown.

What is the latest on the Bobcats?

Hauser said Poulos remains the starter after his second-half struggles at Miami. He also wants to use backup Levi Davis more because of his skill set. Poulos has 1,171 passing yards, eight touchdowns and one interception this season.

The Bobcats are tied atop the conference at 5-1 with Toledo, Buffalo and Western Michigan. Hauser expects a fight on Tuesday: "I know those guys will be ready to play, whether there's a bowl game on the line or not."

What could decide Cardinals vs Bobcats?

Three matchups look most likely to settle the game.

Can the Bobcats' run game bounce back?

The Bobcats rushed for 245, 265, 78, 167 and 152 yards in their last five games. The 265 came at Sacramento State, which is 2-9. The Cardinals allowed 302 rushing yards to Buffalo, but they held Sacramento State to 54 and Bowling Green to 98.

Hauser pointed to long third downs as a problem at Miami. Early-down runs by Brune and Victor Rosa would keep Poulos out of obvious passing situations.

Can the Cardinals pressure Poulos?

Miami's defensive line pressured Poulos throughout the second half, when he completed 6 of 15 passes for 56 yards, according to The Post. The Bobcats converted 3 of 17 third downs in that game.

The Cardinals sacked Buffalo four times, matching their season high, and Jared Badie had two of them. Buffalo threw only 14 passes in that game, so the sample says little about a pass-heavy script.

Can the Cardinals turn drives into points?

Against Buffalo, the Cardinals reached the 30-yard line six times and scored no points. The campus student newspaper reported three missed field goals by Brody Boehm and three turnovers on downs.

The Bobcats' defense allowed Miami only 3 conversions in 14 third-down tries. Sustained Cardinals drives need to finish in points to keep that defense under pressure.

What does the Cardinals vs Bobcats head-to-head history show?

The Cardinals won the most recent meeting 20-14 on Oct. 4, 2025, according to Sports-Reference. The Bobcats had won the four meetings before it, and the Cardinals lead the series 16-13.

That result has limited value for Tuesday. Luster played at Texas State in 2025, and Parker Navarro, who led the Bobcats' offense that season, has left the program.

What could move Cardinals vs Bobcats market price?

Several pending developments could change the outlook before kickoff:

• Quarterback usage: Hauser has named Poulos the starter, but more snaps for Davis would change the Bobcats' run and pass mix.
• Availability reports: A late absence on the Bobcats' offensive line or the Cardinals' defensive front would alter the pressure matchup.
• Cardinals finishing: Another game of missed kicks and stalled drives inside the 30-yard line would leave Luster's offense short of points.

Traders who want control over the price they accept can use a limit order as prices move.

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