Kent State Golden Flashes (1-9) vs. Ball State Cardinals (3-7)
Kent State Golden Flashes vs. Ball State Cardinals 11/18/23 – Kent State Golden Flashes have endured an uninspiring 1-9 season and will face the Ball State Cardinals who have fared slightly better with a 3-7 record. Saturday will bring this matchup, providing NCAAF analysts picks with an intriguing contest between both struggling teams. Fans can see if Kent State can turn its fortunes around or if Ball State will establish itself with a superior record.
Kent State’s Golden Flashes have shown glimpses of promise despite their underwhelming win-loss record, especially through running back Gavin Garcia who has 110 attempts that resulted in 431 yards and two touchdowns, proving his ability to break through defenses. Wide receiver Chrishon McCray is another asset, amassing 610 receiving yards with four touchdowns from 41 receptions; his dynamic playmaking capabilities will prove instrumental for Kent State in this matchup.
On the other side, Ball State Cardinals have outshone the Golden Flashes this season despite not enjoying an exceptional year. Running back Marquez Cooper led them with 767 rushing yards and three touchdowns from 171 attempts; wide receiver Qian Magwood contributed 335 receiving yards with one touchdown score proving himself a reliable target as Ball State looked to take advantage of their home-field advantage.
Kent State Golden Flashes vs. Ball State Cardinals 11/18/23 Game Info
When: | Saturday, November 18, 2023 at 2:00 PM ET |
Where: | Scheumann Stadium |
TV: | ESP+ |
Stream: | Sofascore |
Michael Alaimo QB vs. Layne Hatcher QB
Michael Alaimo of Kent State has shown resiliency throughout the season despite his team’s difficulties, compiling 932 passing yards at 54.9% completion rate. With 27 sacks and 4 interceptions under pressure and two touchdown passes under his belt already this year, concerns arise as to his ability to handle Ball State’s defense; decisions under duress and long pass connections will be key factors in this contest.
Ball State’s Layne Hatcher has proven more efficient with a 64.2% completion rate and 565 yards and 4 touchdown passes this season, despite being sacked 11 times; yet has managed only one interception this time around! His tactical awareness and ability to read defenses has made an impressionful statement this season, while his pinpoint short to medium range throws will prove key in taking down Kent State’s defense.
NCAAF Odds/Point Spread: Ball State Cardinals -460, Total Odds: 42
The current betting odds favor the Ball State Cardinals heavily, reflecting their superior record and performance metrics. The total odds for the game are set at 42, indicating expectations of a moderately scoring game. Bettors might find value in considering the underperforming offense of Kent State against the slightly better defense of Ball State.
Kent State Betting Trends
Kent State’s betting trends do not inspire confidence, with an inability to cover spreads combined with high-scoring games (the total has gone OVER in four of their five games in recent weeks), suggesting defensive weaknesses and an offense which may score but cannot win games. With their current record being 0-7 SU over their past seven games this must be taken seriously.
Ball State Betting Trends
Ball State, on the other hand, has displayed more encouraging trends over their last five games, going 4-1 against the spread and four of five totaling UNDER totals. Their defense appears more effective as evident by four totaling UNDERs over that stretch; however their 3-10 record in their last 13 shows some inconsistency in turning close games into victories; their 5-1 home record could prove decisive here.
Kent State Golden Flashes vs. Ball State Cardinals 11/1/8/23 Betting Picks
In final thoughts and recommendations, the smart money appears to be on Ball State, considering their superior record, both overall and in recent trends. Kent State’s inability to keep games close and their defensive lapses provide little confidence in their ability to cover the spread. For sports game predictions, looking at the total points, the trend suggests a higher-scoring affair, but Ball State’s effective defense might counterbalance Kent State’s scoring abilities.
Given both teams’ offensive capabilities and defensive records, taking a balanced approach seems wise. Ball State’s home advantage and better against-the-spread record make them the safer bet, but prop bets could focus on individual player performances such as quarterbacks or key running backs; moreover, their defensive record may cause the total to tend toward under.
Free Pick and Prediction: Ball State Cardinals 26, Kent State Golden Flashes 15