UMass will host Ball State on Wednesday night in a Mid-American Conference matchup at Warren P. McGuirk Alumni Stadium, with the Minutemen trying to snap a four-game skid. Kickoff is set for 7 p.m. ET, and SportsLine's Projection Model is already offering a preview of the game.
The latest Ball State vs. UMass odds list the Minutemen as a 2.5-point favorite, with the over/under set at 48.5. UMass enters at 3-5 overall and 1-3 in MAC play, while Ball State is 4-4 overall and 2-2 in the conference.
Recent form for both teams
UMass is coming off a 35-16 loss at Connecticut on Oct. 23, and the defeat extended its losing streak to four games. The Minutemen have been more comfortable at home, going 2-2 at Warren P. McGuirk Alumni Stadium.
Ball State answered with a 34-17 win over Sacramento State on Oct. 24. The Cardinals have been better in the conference standings than UMass, sitting seventh in the MAC while the Minutemen are tied for 10th.
What the matchup means
This is a straightforward conference game with both teams looking to build momentum late in the season. UMass has the home-field edge and the slight betting advantage, but Ball State's.500 overall record and 2-2 league mark give it a more balanced profile entering Week 10 MACtion.
The series history adds a little more context. Ball State and UMass are tied 2-2 all time, so Wednesday's game will decide which side gains the early edge in the matchup record.
For readers tracking the numbers, SportsLine notes the Projection Model has been used 10,000 times and has returned 80-77 over the last seven years, with 70% of premium picks finishing 2-2. Access to premium picks is available for $55, while a discounted monthly option is listed at $13.99/month, with $25+ offers also referenced.
