Ball State Vs Purdue 2025: Game Preview, Time, Location, Streaming & Odds
The 2025 college football season kicks off with an exciting in-state matchup as the 🏈 Ball State Vs Purdue game highlights the early Week 1 schedule. Set for Saturday, August 30, 2025, at 12:00 PM ET, this contest features the Purdue Boilermakers of the Big Ten hosting the Ball State Cardinals from the Mid-American Conference (MAC) at Ross-Ade Stadium in West Lafayette, Indiana.
While Purdue enters this game as the clear favorite, Ball State Vs Purdue offers more intrigue than just a simple power conference versus Group of Five clash. For both programs, this game represents the tone-setter for the season. Purdue is under pressure to show improvement, while Ball State is eager to prove they can compete against higher-level opponents.
Let’s break down the full Ball State Vs Purdue matchup with a deep preview, time, location, TV info, streaming options, odds, key players, and expert predictions.
📅 Ball State Vs Purdue Game Details
- Matchup: 🏈 Ball State Vs Purdue
- Date: Saturday, August 30, 2025
- Time: 12:00 PM ET
- Location: Ross-Ade Stadium, West Lafayette, Indiana
- TV Channel: Big Ten Network (TBD)
- Streaming: FuboTV, Hulu + Live TV, YouTube TV, Sling TV, BTN+
🏟️ Ross-Ade Stadium Overview
Home to the Purdue Boilermakers, Ross-Ade Stadium has long been one of the more storied venues in Big Ten football. With a capacity just over 57,000 and recent renovations improving fan experience, it’s expected to be near full capacity for the season opener.
The atmosphere will be electric, especially with this being an in-state opponent. Purdue fans are eager to see how their team rebounds from a turbulent 2024 campaign.
🔍 Team Preview – 🏈 Ball State Vs Purdue
🟨 Purdue Boilermakers: Looking for a Fresh Start
The 2024 season was filled with inconsistency for the Boilermakers. Under second-year head coach Ryan Walters, Purdue is looking to take a leap forward with a much-improved roster and a revamped offensive system.
Purdue’s success in this Ball State Vs Purdue game will hinge on new quarterback Hudson Card stepping up and leading the offense effectively. The defense, anchored by veteran linemen, is expected to be much improved.
🔑 Purdue Key Players to Watch:
- QB Hudson Card – A Texas transfer with Big Ten experience and mobility
- RB Tyrone Tracy Jr. – Electric runner and pass-catcher out of the backfield
- WR Deion Burks – Deep threat who can stretch defenses
- LB Yanni Karlaftis – Heart of the Boilermaker defense
- DL Nic Scourton – Disruptive force off the edge
🟥 Ball State Cardinals: The Underdogs With Bite
Head coach Mike Neu brings a scrappy, hard-nosed MAC team into West Lafayette. Though Ball State finished 2024 with a 4–8 record, they played several tough games against high-level opponents and return a solid core.
If Ball State is to make the Ball State Vs Purdue game competitive, they’ll need to control the clock, win turnover margin, and play disciplined football.
🔑 Ball State Key Players to Watch:
- QB Kiael Kelly – Dual-threat quarterback who can cause problems with his legs
- WR Jayshon Jackson – Slot receiver with quick cuts and good hands
- RB Marquez Cooper – Reliable runner with 1,000-yard upside
- LB Clayton Coll – Leader of the defense and top tackler
- CB Tyler Potts – Lockdown corner who could shadow Burks
🧠 Coaching Battle: Ryan Walters vs Mike Neu
Ryan Walters, a rising name in coaching, brings a defensive-minded approach as he transitions Purdue into a physical Big Ten force. His ability to manage both sides of the ball is still in development.
Mike Neu, on the other hand, is a seasoned MAC coach who knows how to maximize limited talent. His experience could give Ball State a preparation edge, but talent disparity looms large.
Edge: Purdue – Talent and home field give Walters the advantage.
🧮 Ball State Vs Purdue Odds and Betting Lines
- Spread: Purdue -17.5
- Over/Under: 52.5
- Moneyline: Purdue -900 | Ball State +575
🔮 Expert Prediction:
Purdue 38, Ball State 20
Purdue should pull away in the second half after a potentially close start. Ball State has the weapons to put points on the board, but Purdue’s physicality and speed will wear them down.
🧩 Matchup Breakdown – Position by Position
| Position Group | Edge |
|---|---|
| Quarterback | Purdue – Hudson Card’s experience is key |
| Running Back | Even – Cooper for Ball State is legit |
| Wide Receiver | Purdue – Burks is a game-changer |
| Offensive Line | Purdue – Size and depth advantage |
| Defensive Line | Purdue – Scourton headlines a physical front |
| Linebackers | Even – Clayton Coll leads a solid unit |
| Secondary | Ball State – Potts gives them coverage edge |
| Special Teams | Purdue – More consistent in 2024 |
🔥 X-Factors – 🏈 Ball State Vs Purdue
Purdue X-Factor: Hudson Card’s Command
If the Boilermakers get elite QB play early, they could bury Ball State by halftime.
Ball State X-Factor: Marquez Cooper
If Cooper can break big runs and control tempo, the Cardinals can frustrate the Boilermakers.
🗝️ Keys to the Game
What Purdue Needs to Do:
- Start Fast – Avoid early sluggishness
- Limit Turnovers – Don’t give Ball State extra possessions
- Control the Trenches – Win the line of scrimmage on both sides
- Use Mismatches – Get Burks in single coverage often
- Mix the Run Game – Tracy and Card both must contribute
What Ball State Needs to Do:
- Win the First Quarter – Stay within striking distance
- Force Turnovers – Create at least two
- Convert on 3rd Down – Sustain drives and burn clock
- Limit Big Plays – Don’t allow deep shots
- Special Teams Spark – A return touchdown or blocked kick could flip momentum
🧬 Player Matchups to Watch
🔄 WR Deion Burks vs CB Tyler Potts
A must-watch duel between a speedy receiver and one of the MAC’s top corners.
🔄 QB Kiael Kelly vs Purdue Linebackers
Kelly’s running ability could be a game-changer if Purdue doesn’t contain him.
🔄 RB Marquez Cooper vs Purdue DL
If Cooper finds gaps, Ball State can dictate pace. If he’s bottled up, it’s over early.
📺 How to Watch Ball State Vs Purdue
- TV Broadcast: Expected on Big Ten Network
- Streaming Options:
- BTN+ (Big Ten Plus)
- FuboTV
- YouTube TV
- Hulu + Live TV
- Sling TV
Ensure you check regional blackout restrictions and subscribe accordingly.
📈 Implications for the Season
If Purdue Wins:
- Builds confidence before facing Syracuse and Notre Dame
- Validates offseason changes and new offensive weapons
- Puts pressure on the defense to stay consistent
If Ball State Wins:
- Major national attention as a MAC upset team
- Boosts recruiting and confidence heading into MAC play
- Elevates Coach Mike Neu’s profile
❓Frequently Asked Questions – 🏈 Ball State Vs Purdue
When is the Ball State Vs Purdue game?
Saturday, August 30, 2025, at 12:00 PM ET
Where is the game being played?
Ross-Ade Stadium, West Lafayette, Indiana
Who is favored to win?
Purdue is favored by 17.5 points
Is this the first meeting between these two teams?
No, they’ve met multiple times, with Purdue leading the series
How can I stream the game?
Big Ten Network, BTN+, or through services like FuboTV and Hulu + Live TV
💭 Ball State Vs Purdue
While on paper this may look like a lopsided game, don’t count out the intensity and rivalry spirit when two programs from the same state collide. The 🏈 Ball State Vs Purdue Week 1 matchup offers a valuable early season test for both teams. Purdue needs to flex its Power Five muscle, while Ball State comes in with nothing to lose.
This is the kind of game that could surprise fans, set tones for each season, and create highlight moments for players on both sides.
