The San Jose State Spartans and Ball State Cardinals meet up Thursday in the Arizona Bowl. Both have a chance to make history, most notably Ball State in its attempt to earn its first bowl victory. Let’s get into BetUS’ San Jose State Spartans vs Ball State Cardinals betting preview.
The game will be played at Arizona Stadium in Tucson, Az., beginning at 2 pm ET. CBS will have the television coverage of the game, which should be a fun one to do some online betting on.
Matchup Preview
The Ball State Cardinals (6-1) are considered moderate underdogs according to the betting market. They are currently on a six-game winning streak and have won three consecutive road games.
Quarterback Drew Plitt has completed 65.8% of his passes, totaling 1,947 yards, 16 touchdowns, and six interceptions. Plitt has had success in his last five starts, putting together two or more touchdown passes in those consecutive games.
Plitt has had that success throwing the ball to several targets, with top receivers Justin Hall and Yo’Heinz Tyler totaling 1,169 receiving yards and 11 touchdowns so far. Antwan Davis has also been a target with 36 receptions.
The Cardinals are also averaging 177 rushing yards each game, and that can be largely attributed to Caleb Huntley, who has 437 yards and six touchdowns. On defense, Ball State has allowed about 27.6 points and 441.7 yards per game.
Ball State has been somewhat friendly for college football betting, with a 4-1 against the spread record in its last five games. The total has gone under in four of the Cardinals’ last five games. When being cast as the underdog, they have gone 7-0 against the spread.
The San Jose State Spartans (7-0) finished off their regular season undefeated. The last time they had a bowl win wasin 2015.
The Spartans have done well away from home, winning all four road games. Quarterback Nick Starkel has done well, completing 65.1% of his passes and put up 1,906 yards, 16 touchdowns, and only four interceptions.
Starkel has been more consistent lately, having two or more touchdown passes in the last four consecutive games. He has been able to hit his targets often, as the team averages 301.3 passing yards, with Bailey Gaither and Tre Walker compiling 1,271 receiving yards and eight touchdowns.
The Spartans are averaging close to 141.5 rushing yards per game, with Tyler Nevens causing the primary ball movement at 478 yards and five touchdowns on the year. On defense, they allow 17.9 points and a total 336.9 yards per game.
San Jose State has also been bettor friendly, going 6-0-1 against the spread. The total has gone under in its last five games. When the Spartans are the favorite, the total has gone under in 10 of their last 13 games.
San Jose State Spartans vs Ball State Cardinals Betting Odds For This Event
BetUS Sportsbook has the spread currently placed at:
- Ball State: +9.5 (-110)
- San Jose State: -9.5 (-110)
* odds are subject to change
San Jose State Spartans vs Ball State Cardinals Betting Prediction
The San Jose State Spartans arguably have played a more competitive season in a tough Mountain West Conference. They have kept it modest on defense, allowing no more than 24 points in their seven games.
The Ball State Cardinals have turned their season around after dropping their opener to Miami (Ohio). They definitely know how to score the ball but do not have the defense to withstand a better offensively sound team.
The Spartans have the best chance to cover here. When making your college football picks, look for them to close this out by a larger margin later on in the game.
