In this article we will formulate an Ohio State vs Kent State prediction for this College Football game on Saturday, September 19th at Ohio Stadium in Columbus, Ohio. Let’s take a look at the prediction for this Week 3 matchup.
Ohio State Buckeyes Betting Preview
The Ohio State Buckeyes are 1-1 this season after they lost to Texas by a score of 24-23 last week. Ohio State led 23-3 in the fourth quarter, but they allowed 21 points in the fourth quarter for the heartbreaking loss. The Buckeyes out gained Texas by a total of 372-336, went 6-14 on third downs, and won the turnover battle by a total of 2-1 in the game. Julian Sayin threw for 278 yards, one touchdown, and one interception, while Jeremiah Smith caught eight passes for 164 yards and one score. Bo Jackson rushed 19 times for 74 yards in the loss.
Prior to that game, Ohio State defeated Ball State by a score of 56-3 in week one. The Buckeyes have scored 39.5 points per game with 356.0 passing yards and 165.5 rushing yards per game, while they have allowed 13.5 points against per game this season. Julian Sayin has thrown for 598 yards, four touchdowns, and one interception, while Jeremiah Smith has 16 receptions for 315 yards and three scores this season.
Kent State Golden Flashes Betting Preview
The Kent State Golden Flashes are 1-1 this year after they defeated Wofford by a score of 36-15 in week two. Kent State trailed 15-14 at halftime, but they scored 22 points in the fourth quarter for the win. The Golden Flashes out gained Wofford by a total of 453-173, went 11-19 on third downs, and lost the turnover battle by a total of 3-2 in the game. Dru DeShields threw for 253 yards, one touchdown, and two interceptions, while Da’Realyst Clark caught four passes for 94 yards. DeShields also led the ground game with 10 carries for 74 yards and two scores in the win.
Prior to that game, Kent State lost to South Carolina by a score of 57-0 in week one. The Golden Flashes have scored 18.0 points per game with 168.5 passing yards and 147.5 rushing yards per game, while they have allowed 36.0 points against per game this season. Dru DeShields has thrown for 316 yards, one touchdown, and two interceptions, while Wayne Harris has eight receptions for 106 yards and one score this year.
Why the Ohio State Buckeyes will win
- Ohio State has won each of its last 34 September games against non-AP-ranked teams.
- Kent State has lost each of its last 27 road games in September.
- Kent State has failed to cover the spread in each of its last six road games in September.
- Ohio State has covered the spread in eight of its last nine games at Ohio Stadium.
- Ohio State has won the first half in each of its last 22 September home games against non-AP-ranked teams.
- Ohio State has won the first quarter in each of its last 11 home games against non-AP-ranked teams.
Why the Kent State Golden Flashes will win
- Ohio State has lost three of its last four games.
- Kent State has won three of its last four games in Ohio.
- The team ranked 6th in the AP Poll has failed to cover the spread in each of its last three games.
- Kent State has covered the spread in three of its last four games in Ohio.
- The team ranked 6th in the AP Poll has lost the first half in three of its last four games.
Total Points Facts
- Each of Kent State’s last six games in September have gone OVER the total points line.
- Five of Ohio State’s last six games have gone UNDER the total points line.
Ohio State Buckeyes Player Prop Facts
- Jeremiah Smith has recorded 100+ receiving yards in four consecutive games – longest streak in the FBS, heading into Week 3.
Kent State Golden Flashes Player Prop Facts
- Heading into Week 3, Hunter Hopperton ranks T1st amongst qualified players for catch rate (100.0%) this season.
Matchup/League Facts
- Ohio State ranks T1st among FBS teams for Q1 opponent points per game this season (0.0).
- Ohio State ranks T1st among FBS teams for Q3 opponent points per game this season (0.0).
- Kent State ranks T1st among FBS teams for red zone percentage this season (100.0).
- Kent State ranks 137th among FBS teams for average point differential in second quarters this season (-13.5).
Ohio State vs Kent State Prediction
Ohio State comes into this matchup after a disappointing loss to Texas last week, but they already beat Ball State by 53 points this year. The Buckeyes are the much better team, but how many points will they want to score before taking it easy? Kent State lost 57-0 against South Carolina to open the season and they were on the ropes last week against a FCS team. This is a huge number and OSU starts conference play next week, so I will take Kent State and the points here.