Ball State Cardinals (1-2) vs. Kent State Golden Flashes (1-2)
September 26, 2026 12:00 pm EDT
The Line: Kent State Golden Flashes -166 / Ball State Cardinals 140; Over/Under: 51
(Get latest betting odds)
In this article we will formulate a Kent State vs Ball State prediction for this College Football game on Saturday, September 26th at Dix Stadium in Kent, Ohio. Let’s take a look at the prediction for this Week 4 matchup.
Kent State Golden Flashes Betting Preview
The Kent State Golden Flashes are 1-2 (0-0) this season after they lost to Ohio State by a score of 59-3 last week. Kent State trailed 35-0 at halftime and 59-0 in the fourth, but they kicked a field goal with about two minutes left to avoid the shutout. The Golden Flashes were out gained by a total of 527-134, went 4-16 on third downs, and lost the turnover battle by a total of 3-2 in the game. Dru DeShields threw for 35 yards and one interception, while Wayne Harris caught two passes for 29 yards. Brandon White rushed five times for 21 yards in the loss.
Prior to that game, Kent State defeated Wofford by a score of 36-15, but lost to South Carolina by a score of 57-0 in week one. The Golden Flashes have scored 13.0 points per game with 133.3 passing yards and 122.0 rushing yards per game, while they have allowed 43.7 points against per game this season. Dru DeShields has thrown for 351 yards with one touchdown and three interceptions this season.
Ball State Cardinals Betting Preview
The Ball State Cardinals are 1-2 (0-0) this year after they lost to Liberty by a score of 51-15 last week. Ball State trailed 23-7 at halftime and they were outscored 28-8 in the second half for the blowout loss. The Cardinals were out gained by a total of 460-261, went 1-9 on third downs, and tied the turnover battle at one in the game. Keldric Luster threw for 93 yards, while Isaiah Thacker caught four passes for 44 yards. TJ Horton rushed eight times for 79 yards and two scores in the game.
Prior to that loss, Ball State defeated Stony Brook by a score of 41-17, but lost to Ohio State by a score of 56-3 before that. The Cardinals have scored 19.7 points per game with 156.3 passing yards and 142.3 rushing yards per game, while they have allowed 41.3 points against per game this season. Keldric Luster has thrown for 438 yards with three touchdowns and two interceptions this year.
Why the Kent State Golden Flashes will win
- Ball State has lost each of its last 20 road games in September.
- The home team has won 15 of Ball State’s last 16 games.
- The favorite has covered the spread in seven of Ball State’s last eight games.
- Ball State has failed to cover the spread in five of its last six road games.
- Ball State has lost the first half in each of its last 22 road games in September.
- The favorite has won the first quarter in each of Ball State’s last eight games.
Why the Ball State Cardinals will win
- Kent State has lost 11 of its last 12 games in September.
- Ball State has won each of its last four games against Kent State.
- Kent State has failed to cover the spread in 10 of its last 12 games in September.
- Ball State has covered the spread in four of its last five September games against non-AP-ranked teams.
- Kent State has lost the first half in each of its last nine games.
- Ball State has won the first quarter in each of its last three games against Kent State.
Total Points Facts
- Each of Kent State’s last seven games in September have gone OVER the total points line.
- Each of Ball State’s last six games in Ohio have gone OVER the total points line.
Kent State Golden Flashes Player Prop Facts
- Heading into Week 4, Dru DeShields ranks 8th amongst qualified players for sack percentage (1.6%) this season.
Ball State Cardinals Player Prop Facts
- Heading into Week 4, TJ Horton ranks 6th amongst qualified players for Yards Per Carry (9.0) this season.
Matchup/League Facts
- Kent State ranks 138th among FBS teams for 1st downs this season (37).
- Kent State ranks T137th among FBS teams for Q2 points per game this season (2.3).
- Ball State ranks 138th among FBS teams for Q4 opponent points per game this season (14.0).
- Ball State ranks 137th among FBS teams for H2 opponent points per game this season (23.3).
Kent State vs Ball State Prediction
Both of these teams come into this matchup with a 1-2 record to start the season and both are looking for their first FBS win. Kent State got very lucky to win against Wofford in week two, as they were trailing late in that one. Ball State beat Stony Brook comfortably in week two, but they got rolled over last week by Liberty. I don’t know what to think about either team here, but I know I don’t like either defense. Take the over in this one.
