Ohio University vs. Kent State 11/6/24 Game Info

Ohio University vs Kent State Preview

Kent State (0-8, 0-4 in MAC) plays host to Kent State (5-3, 3-1 in MAC) in some midweek MACtion where the hosts will be up against it and seeking its first win of the season. In Week 9 play, Kent State was roughed up 52-21 at Western Michigan in a handicap we gave to you here, while Ohio University won and covered ATS against Buffalo, 47-16, so both teams will come in well-rested after Byes in Week 10. With the Golden Flashes losing by 31 and 21 their last two outings and the Bobcats winning by 31 in their last one, it seems backing the heavy chalk is the NCAA Football prescription here. But is it? Let’s dive in and look at all of the trends, what has happened recently in this series, and offer up a free pick against the point spread.

Ohio University Needs Win Here to Stay in MAC Race 

Ohio University (4-4 ATS) sits in second place in the Mid-American Conference, tied with Miami (Ohio) with a 3-1 record with Western Michigan (4-0) the lone unbeaten. In the Bobcats blowout win over Buffalo in their last game, WR Coleman Owens had six receptions for 146 yards and two touchdowns as Ohio easily covered ATS as 3.5 favorites at Home. Coleman also added another TD on a 23-yard run as the Bobcats rushed out to a 24-10 halftime lead in a game that saw Ohio outscore Buffalo in every quarter. QB Parker Navarro was 14-for-19 for 221 yards and those two TDs in the win. Last year when Ohio hosted Kent State, the Bobcats covered the 24.5-point spread by the hairs on their chinny-chin-chin, winning 42-17 in a game that went over the Total (45) as the hosts outgained the visitors 466-228.

Ohio University Betting Trends

• Ohio has covered the last 2 in this series and is 7-3 SU over the last 10
• The Bobcats are 7-2 SU in the last 9 meetings in the series
• Unders in the 1st Quarter of Ohio games are 11-0 in the last 11
• The last 4 series meeting at Kent State have gone Under the Total
• Unders in the First Half of Ohio University games are 8-4 in the last 12 

Kent State Seeking First Win in Over a Year, Won’t Get It

Kent State has gone over 13 months without winning a game, and after a 3-8-1 ATS mark last season, the Golden Flashes are 2-6 ATS this season, and are a good team to look at betting against every time they play. In two successive weeks earlier this season, Kent State was outscored 127-0 by Tennessee and Penn State and all teams playing the Golden Flashes have had a huge advantage in Total Yards in games usually decided by the 3rd Quarter when opponents call off the dogs. Chicago native and QB Tommy Ulatowski (940 yards, 11 TD, 6 INT) heads in with a weak 11.7 QBR, and finding WR Chrishon McCrary (31 receptions, 566 yards, 7 TD, 18.3 ypc) has become more difficult with opposing defense focusing on KSU’s biggest threat. RB Ky Thomas (389 yards, TD) will look to get it going against Ohio and had 62 yards rushing on 16 carries vs WMU.

Kent State Betting Trends

• Kent State has won 2 of the last 3 meeting SU
• The Golden Flashes are 3-10-0 in their last 13 games ATS
• Kent State’s last win was on Sept. 26, 2023 vs Central Connecticut 
• KSU has the worst defense in the FBS (#133 of 133 teams) and have allowed the most Total Yards (4,225) and Yards Per Game (602)
• The Golden Flashes allow a robust 7.2 Yards Per Play
• Kent State has a Turnover Differential of -1.25 per game (T-#126)

Ohio University vs Kent State Prediction 11/6/24

The Golden Flashes allow 46.6 ppg (#133 of 133 teams, 47 TD) and Western Michigan scored 7 TDs against Kent State, so expect Ohio to be up double-digits at halftime in Kent where the weather on Wednesday is calling for Scattered Showers and a high of 65°, so we may see a fifth straight Under at Dix Stadium in this series. Where the Bobcats may thrive here is running the ball with RB Anthony Tyus III who has 610 yards and 5 TDs while QB Navarro is the team’s second-leading rusher with 515 yards and 4 TDs. Last year, Ohio rushed out to a 21-7 halftime lead and outgained Kent State by 178 yards (466-288), and we can probably expect the same time of game this year, so this Ohio University vs Kent State prediction and your free college football pick is calling for at least a 20-point win by the Bobcats. This line moved from an opening 17 to 18.5 on sharp money.

Kevin’s Pick: Ohio University -18.5