Ball State Cardinals and Miami (OH) RedHawks face off in the Red Bird Rivalry on November 29, 2025.,A win for Miami (OH) would secure their spot in the MAC Championship game.The Red Bird Rivalry is set for Saturday, November 29, 2025, at 12:00 p.m. ET, as the Ball State Cardinals visit the Miami (OH) RedHawks at Yager Stadium in Oxford, OH. The game will be broadcast on CBS Sports Network.
Miami (OH) enters the contest as a 17.5-point favorite with an over/under set at 42.5. The all-time series is led by Miami (OH), 24-13-1. The RedHawks won the last meeting on November 5, 2024, by a score of 27-21, and have won the last five matchups dating back to 2020.
The Red Bird Rivalry Trophy, first introduced in 2017, is on the line. Miami (OH) has held the trophy in seven of the eight years since its inception, with Ball State claiming it once in 2019.
For Miami (OH) (6-5, 5-2 MAC), this game carries significant weight as they aim to qualify for their third consecutive MAC Championship game. A victory would give them tiebreakers over Ohio and Toledo, and potentially Central Michigan, securing their spot in the championship game where they would face Western Michigan in Detroit.
The RedHawks have undergone significant changes on offense this season, with all 11 starters replaced and a mid-season quarterback switch from Henry Hesson to redshirt freshman Thomas Gotkowski. Gotkowski showed promise in his first start, contributing to the offense with passing and rushing touchdowns. Running back Jordan Brunson leads a physical backfield, with D’Shawntae Jones also contributing. Receiver Kam Perry averages 24.3 yards per reception, and Cole Weaver has also been a consistent contributor.
Despite potential offensive fluctuations, Miami’s defense remains a strong suit. The team hopes to have linebacker Corban Hondru back from injury. The defense features likely All-MAC talent, including Adam Trick with 7.5 sacks and 11.5 tackles for loss, and a safety tandem of Silas Walters and Eli Blakey with a combined five interceptions and 15 pass breakups, anchoring the FBS’s 32nd-ranked total defense.
Ball State (4-7, 3-4 MAC) has already missed bowl eligibility after recent losses to Eastern Michigan and Toledo. However, they have an opportunity to finish with a .500 conference record for the first time since 2021. The Cardinals have struggled offensively, ranking among the worst in the nation in scoring, total, and passing offense. Their preference is to run the ball, but starting running back Qua Ashley has been sidelined since November 5. Freshman Jalen Bonds saw significant action against Toledo, gaining 112 yards from scrimmage. Mobile quarterback Kiael Kelly leads the team with 547 rushing yards and five touchdowns, and the Cardinals are most effective when he runs. Ball State’s defense has been a bright spot, with defensive end Nathan Voorhis recording 11 sacks and cornerback Joedrick Lewis having an interception in three consecutive games.
Prediction: The matchup presents a difficult challenge for Ball State’s offense against Miami’s defense, particularly in containing mobile quarterbacks and limiting the run. While Miami’s offense might face inconsistencies with a young quarterback, their defense’s ability to force turnovers is expected to provide enough opportunities for a low-scoring victory, securing their place in the MAC Championship. Miami (OH) is predicted to win 23-10.
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