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Toledo vs Ball State: 3 big keys as Rockets open MAC play

Dustin Judge
Scheumann Stadium in Muncie, host of Toledo vs Ball State

Toledo vs Ball State is the Mid-American Conference opener for the Rockets on Saturday, Oct. 3. Toledo (3-1) visits Ball State (1-3, 0-1 MAC) at Scheumann Stadium in Muncie, Indiana. Kickoff is 2 p.m. ET, with streaming on ESPN+.

Toledo vs Ball State: why the Rockets are rolling

Toledo has scored at least 40 points in each of its first four games, the school said. It beat Central Connecticut 63-10, edged Temple 49-48 in overtime and topped San Diego State 41-16. Its only loss came at Michigan State.

Quarterback John Alan Richter leads the MAC with 1,161 passing yards and 12 touchdowns, Yahoo Sports reported. Receiver Bryson Hammer had 133 yards and touchdown catches of 78 and 38 yards against San Diego State, and running back Connor Walendzak has scored in all four games.

Ball State has quarterback and injury questions

Ball State opened with a 56-3 loss at Ohio State, which we covered here. The Cardinals then beat Stony Brook 41-17 but lost at Liberty and 26-13 at Kent State in their MAC opener.

Starting quarterback Keldric Luster missed the Kent State game with a left foot injury, and backup Tyler Mizzell threw for 164 yards. Luster and running back TJ Horton are both uncertain for Saturday. Receiver Donovan Hamilton had seven catches for 80 yards and a touchdown against Kent State.

Series history and what to watch

In Toledo vs Ball State history, the Rockets lead 28-21-1 and have won four straight meetings, including a 38-9 win on Nov. 22, 2025. This will be Ball State’s 400th MAC game. Coach Mike Uremovich said Toledo’s quarterback is throwing the ball all over the place and that his team must improve in every phase.

In Toledo vs Ball State, the Cardinals’ secondary will be tested by Richter, Hammer and Adjatay Dabbs. For more on the conference, see our Bowling Green vs. Miami preview.

Dustin Judge is the Founder and CEO of Total Apex Media, bringing more than 20 years of writing and editorial experience to the company's growing network of digital publications. He specializes in sports, sports betting, fantasy sports, and digital publishing, with a focus on producing accurate, timely, and engaging content for readers. Dustin oversees editorial strategy, content development, and publishing operations across Total Apex Media while remaining actively involved in sports, betting, and fantasy sports coverage.