Ball State will host Sacramento State on Saturday in a college football matchup widely regarded as one of the least competitive contests of the 2026 season. The game, set to take place in Muncie, Indiana, pits two struggling programs against one another, with Ball State favored by 14.5 points despite both teams’ poor records.
Ball State enters the game with a 2-5 record overall and 1-5 against other Football Bowl Subdivision (FBS) opponents. Their defense has been particularly vulnerable this season, allowing an average of 41.3 points per game, ranking them 134th out of 138 FBS teams in scoring defense. The Cardinals concede 6.8 yards per play and nearly 9.2 yards per pass, placing their defense among the bottom five nationally according to SP+ rankings. Their lone win in 2026 came in an overtime victory over Bowling Green.
Sacramento State, in its first year competing at the FBS level, has struggled similarly. The Hornets, who previously competed in the Football Championship Subdivision (FCS), joined the Mid-American Conference despite being located outside the Great Lakes region, where most of the conference teams are based. This transition has yet to yield positive results; Sacramento State holds a 1-6 overall record and is 0-6 against FBS opponents this season. The Hornets rank 137th in SP+ ratings and have been outscored by an average margin of 29.3 points in their FBS matchups, including two defeats by at least 40 points, the most recent of which came against Ohio during homecoming week.
Despite Sacramento State’s difficulties, oddsmakers have made Ball State a significant favorite, suggesting a wide disparity between the teams. However, some observers note that the Cardinals’ own defensive weaknesses could allow Sacramento State to keep the game closer than expected. The Hornets’ offense, while limited, may find opportunities against Ball State’s porous defense, complicating predictions.
Saturday’s game offers a rare contest between two teams ranked near the bottom in national efficiency metrics, with Ball State positioned at 131st and Sacramento State 137th out of 138 FBS teams. Although neither team has shown consistent success this season, the matchup provides both programs a chance to gain momentum and salvage some pride during a challenging campaign.