In the heart of the NCAAF Week 7, the Ball State Cardinals (4-1) travel to face the Kent State Golden Flashes (1-5) at Dix Stadium. Scheduled for Saturday, October 12, 2024, at 12:00 PM ET, this matchup is set to be broadcast on ESPN+. Both teams eye a vital victory to enhance their standings as they navigate their conference schedules. Fans and bettors can look to today’s free college football tips for essential strategies and insights to guide their predictions and wagers on this game.
Ball State Cardinals vs. Kent State Golden Flashes 10/12/24 Game Info |
|
| When: | Saturday, October 12, 2024 at 12:00 PM ET |
| Where: | Memorial A & C Center |
| TV: | ESPN+ |
| Stream: | Sofascore |
Ball State Cardinals (4-1) vs. Kent State Golden Flashes (1-5)
Regarding offense, the Ball State Cardinals have filled their lineup with skillful players, especially on the ground and in the air. Braedon Sloan has transformed into one of the key cogs of the running game for the Cardinals, having gained 347 rushing yards from a total of 77 carries with a yield of 4.5 yards per carry on average. He demonstrates the crucial ability to break the open field as proven by his 40-yard run – important for Ball State, who are looking to impose their style of rushing similar to today’s Wisconsin vs Rutgers game when designated running plays are vital to the overall strategy.
Sloan is not the only one who has another addition in the rushing attack, as afflicted Koziol Tanner is the wide receiver who has caught 38 passes for 391 yards of the aerial assault by the Cardinals. His average catch is 10.3 yards, and he scores 3 touchdowns for the team. The catching and tackling by Koziol after a pass will help attempt to vertically develop the offensive tactics and attempt decisive shots against the Kent State defensive lineup.
On the other hand, the Kent State Golden Flashes prepare to overwhelm the opposition in both the running and passing game in order to improve on the poor start of the season. Although Ky Thomas, the running back, had a poor start, over 46 carries, he has been able to add up 139 rushing yards but hopes for better contributions in finishing the Kent State ground game. From the perspective of the live matchup steeped with early January optimism for the Miami Ohio vs. Eastern Michigan game, a running game can also and often is utilized to dominate, making running Thomas’s role very critical.
As for receiving, the snapper Chrishon McCray has been a pain to the opposing side, scoring 309 yards from 17 receptions for the Golden Flashes at an average of 18.2 yards per catch. He has also made quite a few contributions to the offensive end through deep balls, possessing a long of 68 yards on reception. He has acquired four touchdowns this season, which all adds to Kent State’s offensive depth, which is important in breaking through Ball State’s defense for the most efficient scoring.
Kadin Semonza QB vs. Devin Kargman QB
Ball State’s quarterback, Kadin Semonza, has shown resilience and accuracy this season, with 1,133 passing yards from 117 completions out of 173 attempts and a completion rate of 67.6%. His production includes 11 touchdowns but also 7 interceptions, indicating room for improved decision-making under pressure. His longest pass of 72 yards underscores his potential for high-impact plays, yet sustaining efficiency across drives will be a focal point against Kent State.
Devin Kargman, quarterback for Kent State, offers a contrasting dynamic with 432 passing yards from 45 completions over 82 attempts. With a 54.9% completion rate, Kargman’s three touchdowns and two interceptions reflect a developing player still finding consistency. For Kargman, enhancing his pass accuracy and yardage gains while minimizing turnovers will be crucial as Kent State seeks competitive balance.
The matchup between Semonza and Kargman is poised to influence game dynamics heavily. Semonza’s execution and consistency may give Ball State an upper hand, while Kargman’s potential to exploit unexpected opportunities remains critical for Kent State’s upset hopes.
NCAAF Odds/Point Spread: Ball State Cardinals -6.5, Total Odds: 57.5
With the Cardinals favored by a -6.5 spread, the odds reflect their superior form and recent consistency. The total odds 57.5 suggest expectations of a potentially high-scoring contest driven by both sides’ offensive capabilities. This line invites bettors to consider the potency of both offenses against defenses that have shown vulnerability.
Ball State Cardinals Betting Trends
Ball State shows promise with a 4-1 ATS in their last five games, though historical performance against Kent State is less favorable. With a troubling 1-13 SU in their last 14 games at Dix Stadium, the Cardinals must defy these trends through disciplined execution and tactical adjustments.
Kent State Golden Flashes Betting Trends
While Kent State has struggled at 1-4 ATS recently, their advantageous 13-1 SU record at home against Ball State suggests a psychological edge that could fuel their efforts. Notably, the total has gone over in six of their last six home games, indicating a propensity towards high-scoring affairs in their favorable confines.
Ball State Cardinals vs. Kent State Golden Flashes 10/12/24 Betting Picks
Given these insights, Ball State’s present form and comprehensive team strength make them the likely straight-up choice, though Kent State’s historical home dominance warrants consideration when assessing spread options. Leveraging the local venue pizzazz and previous match history, Kent State might offer value as an underdog with resilience.
Utilizing multi-handicapper premium tips can assist in navigating prop bets, particularly observing receiving yards and touchdown projections. The line sees potential volatility with both offenses capable of dynamic play, making for diverse betting strategies that underscore Ball State’s systematic control or Kent State’s opportunistic strike capabilities.