Kent State Golden Flashes (0-0) vs. South Carolina Gamecocks (0-0)
September 5, 2026 12:45 pm EDT
The Line: South Carolina Gamecocks -36.5 / Kent State Golden Flashes 36.5; Over/Under: 53.5
(Get latest betting odds)
In this article we will formulate a South Carolina vs Kent State prediction for this College Football game on Saturday, September 5th at Williams-Brice Stadium in Columbia, South Carolina. Let’s take a look at the prediction for this Week 1 matchup.
South Carolina Gamecocks Betting Preview
The South Carolina Gamecocks went 4-8 (1-7) last season and they finished second to last in the SEC standings. South Carolina started the season with a 24-11 win over Virginia Tech and they defeated South Carolina State by a score of 38-10 in week two. The Gamecocks were 2-0, but they lost seven of the next eight games, before beating Coastal Carolina and losing to Clemson to close out the year. South Carolina scored 22.7 points per game in 2025, while they allowed 22.1 points against per game on defense.
This season, South Carolina will have LaNorris Sellers back at quarterback, but he needs some help from the offensive line, which was not very good last year. The receivers are very solid, but the running backs need to produce, as they went 0-5 when rushing for fewer than 120 yards last year. On defense, South Carolina is looking to build on a solid 2025 season, but the linebackers and secondary are a bit of a concern.
Kent State Golden Flashes Betting Preview
The Kent State Golden Flashes were 5-7 (4-4) last year and they finished tied for sixth in the MAC standings. Kent State started the season with a 21-17 win over Merrimack, but they followed that up with a 62-14 loss to Texas Tech. The Golden Flashes lost five of their first seven games, but they won three of their last five, which was a great accomplishment. Kent State had a lot more success last season than was anticipated and they nearly went to a bowl game. The Golden Flashes scored 21.2 points per game in 2025, while they allowed 33.6 points against per game on defense.
This year, Kent State will return Dru DeShields at quarterback, who was very solid last year. The receivers have some good returning talent, but the offensive line is a concern. Kent State needs to find more success on the ground if they want to reach a bowl game. On defense, the Golden Flashes are bringing in a good amount of help from the portal, but the linebackers and secondary should be very solid.
Why the South Carolina Gamecocks will win
- Kent State has lost each of its last 26 road games in September.
- South Carolina has won nine of its last 10 September games against non-AP-ranked teams.
- Kent State has failed to cover the spread in each of its last six season openers.
- South Carolina has covered the spread in 10 of its last 13 September games as a home favorite.
- Kent State has lost the first half in each of its last 15 road games.
Why the Kent State Golden Flashes will win
- South Carolina has lost six of its last seven games.
- The road team has won each of Kent State’s last three games.
- The road team has covered the spread in each of Kent State’s last three games.
- South Carolina has lost the first half in three of its last four home games.
Total Points Facts
- Each of South Carolina’s last five season openers have gone UNDER the total points line.
- Each of Kent State’s last four road openers have gone OVER the total points line.
South Carolina Gamecocks Player Prop Facts
- Nyck Harbor ranked 6th amongst qualified players for Yards Per Reception (20.6) last season.
Kent State Golden Flashes Player Prop Facts
- Dru DeShields ranked T6th in the league for TD:INT ratio (6.00) last season.
Matchup/League Facts
- South Carolina have had given up the largest 2nd quarter led to win a game last season – 27 points vs Texas A&M.
- South Carolina ranked 134th among FBS teams for Q4 points per game last season (2.9).
- Kent State have had suffered the equal-most road losses by a margin of 30+ points of any FBS team last season (4).
- Kent State have had suffered the most road losses by a margin of 35+ points of any FBS team last season (4).
South Carolina vs Kent State Prediction
South Carolina comes into this season looking for more success than they found last year and they should start with a win in this one. The Gamecocks underperformed last season, but Sellers should be one of the top QBs in the nation. Kent State overachieved last year and they have a returning quarterback, but they will struggle to keep this respectable. I think South Carolina will try to make a statement, especially as they only play Towson next week. Take the Gamecocks to cover.
