Miami Hurricanes vs. Ball State Cardinals FAQ: What to know about the matchup

The No. 10 Miami Hurricanes (2-0) host the Ball State Cardinals (1-0) on Saturday.

Kickoff is scheduled for 3:30 p.m. from Hard Rock Stadium.

Here is what you need to know about the matchup.

How can I watch the Miami Hurricanes vs. Ball State Cardinals game?

The Hurricanes’ home game against Ball State will be televised on the ACC Network. It is also available to ACC Network subscribers through ESPN+, ESPN.com and the ESPN app.

Who is favored in the Miami Hurricanes vs. Ball State Cardinals game?

As of Friday morning, the Hurricanes are listed as a 36.5-point home favorite against Ball State, according to Odds Shark. The over/under is 54.5 points.

What is the history between the Miami Hurricanes and Ball State Cardinals?

This is the first time Miami and Ball State are playing in football.

What were the expectations for the Miami Hurricanes and Ball State Cardinals entering the season?

The Hurricanes were voted to finish third in the 17-team Atlantic Coast Conference.

The Cardinals were voted to finish ninth in the Mid-Atlantic Conference.

How have the Miami Hurricanes and Ball State Cardinals done so far this season?

The Hurricanes opened the season with a 41-17 road win at the Florida Gators and followed with a 56-9 blowout win against Florida A&M at home.

Ball State opened the season with a 42-34 home win against Missouri State.

What are three keys for the Miami Hurricanes against the Ball State Cardinals?

▪ Get out to an strong start early: If the Hurricanes can assert their dominance from the get go and build an early lead, expect Saturday to be similar to the FAMU game.

▪ Continue adding wrinkles to the offense: Miami’s offense production has come with Hurricanes players saying there is still more of the playbook to introduce in live settings. Perhaps the Hurricanes start experimenting on Saturday.

▪ Stay healthy: With two games left — Saturday against Ball State and a road game against USF next week — before conference play, Miami needs to keep as much of its roster intact as possible. The Hurricanes against FAMU played without defensive end Rueben Bain Jr., cornerback Damari Brown, and offensive linemen Jalen Rivers and Ryan Rodriguez.

Who are some Miami Hurricanes players to watch?

▪ Defensive lineman Tyler Baron: The redshirt senior and transfer from Tennessee has been arguably Miami’s best defensive player through two games, with four sacks and five-and-a-half tackles for loss.

▪ Wide receiver Isaiah Horton: The redshirt sophomore is second among Miami players in catches (eight) and receiving yards (136).

▪ Linebacker Wesley Bissainthe: The junior said before the season that he was going to have a breakout year. He has six tackles, one tackle for loss and an interception so far through two games, and both coaches and teammates alike have praised his work ethic.

Who are some Ball State Cardinals players to watch?

▪ Offensive lineman Ethan Crowe: The senior center is the anchor for a Ball State offensive line that entered the season with a combined 117 starts. He is on the watch list for the Outland Trophy, given annually to the best interior lineman in college football.

▪ Linebacker Keionte Newson: Newson led Ball State last season with 81 tackles while also recording six-and-a-half tackles for loss and two-and-a-half sacks. In the Cardinals’ season opener against Missouri State, Newson had six tackles, two tackles for loss, a pass breakup and a quarterback hurry.

▪ Running back Braedon Sloan: The senior, who spent his first three seasons at Eastern Kentucky and was an FCS All-American in 2023, ran for 103 yards and a touchdown in Ball State’s season-opening win against Missouri State. He also caught a 6-yard touchdown in the win.