It’s a matchup only a bettor could love, as the 0-10 Kent State Golden Flashes try to break into the win column against the Akron Zips, who have just two wins on the year.
Kent State enters as a 10.5-point home underdog to an Akron side that has been a betting favorite exactly one time on the season. Still, our Akron vs. Kent State predictions are steering clear of the spread and focusing on the total... specifically the Under.
With two wildly struggling offenses going head-to-head, our college football picks for Tuesday, November 19 don't anticipate a shootout. Kickoff is set for 7 p.m. ET at Dix Stadium on CBSSN.
Akron vs Kent State prediction and best bet
Who will win Akron vs Kent State?
To say the Kent State Golden Flashes have been overmatched this season is an understatement. It’s been downright ugly. Aside from a close 37-35 loss to Ball State, the only other game the Golden Flashes have played and been within 20 points was vs. St Francis (PA), an FCS-level opponent.
Overall, it’s 19 straight losses for the Golden Flashes, with only three of those games finishing with a single-digit deficit.
The Akron Zips haven’t been great, but they do have a pair of wins and have looked semi-competent on the field, with just two losses in conference play by more than 10 points.
Akron has put up points in conference play, averaging 20.8 per game, while Kent State’s offense has dried up in MACtion.
After scoring 30+ in losses to Eastern Michigan and Ball State to start their conference slate, the Flashes totaled 34 points across four games, an 8.5 average.
It won’t be pretty, but Akron should get its third win of the year.
My best bet
Under 48.5 (-105 at FanDuel)
Picks made at time of writing may not reflect live odds.
My analysis
The offensive ineptitude from both teams is gruesome.
Kent State is dead last in total yards and yards per play and is posting just 76.5 rushing yards per contest, the lowest in the nation.
It's 125th in passing yards and has cycled through three quarterbacks. The latest, junior Tommy Ulatowski, has thrown for 114 yards or less in three straight games, with four TD passes and five interceptions.
Kent State ranks Bottom 3 in college football scoring, putting up just 14.3 points per game.
The only thing worse than Kent State’s offense is its defense. It's dead last in yards, surrendering a massive 521.9 per contest, while teams are rushing for an average of 264.9 yards per game.
This will likely be the one time this season Akron has the advantage on the ground, as it is brutally inept, running for only 82 yards per game (130th).
The only saving grace is the passing game, which ranks 63rd, averaging 231.8 yards per game.
Quarterback Ben Finley has produced a pair of 300+ passing yard performances in his last four contests, including four TD tosses and 378 yards in a 41-30 loss to Buffalo.
It hasn’t helped the Zips' scoring output much, as they're 125th in the nation at 18.6 points per game.
I just don’t advise putting your money down on a team as bad as Akron, especially as a double-digit favorite, not even when going against a team as dreadful as Kent State.
The Golden Flashes haven’t touched 49 points total in three of their last four contests, while Akron has fallen Under that total in four of its last six.
Akron vs Kent State same-game parlay (SGP)
Under 48.5
Jordan Simmons Over 71.5 rush yards
Adrian Norton anytime TD
Jordan Simmons has been average at best as the Zips running back, but how supercharged can the junior be against the worst run defense in college football?
Simmons has topped 71.5 rushing yards twice in the last five games, but he’s also been in the 60-yard range for two others.
If Akron feeds him his 13+ totes as it has in each of the last four games, Simmons should be able to cross this number with ease.
We’ll finish this SGP with wide receiver Adrian Norton, who’s been on a nice scoring roll over his last three, hauling in four touchdown passes. Kent State has surrendered 23 TD passes on the year, second worst only to Ball State. Look for Finley to find Norton to extend the streak.
Learn how to bet a same-game parlay with these helpful tips and strategies.
Akron vs Kent State odds
Akron vs Kent State live odds
Akron vs Kent State opening odds
- Akron vs. Kent State spread: Kent State +9.5
- Akron vs. Kent State moneyline: Akron -375, Kent State +290
- Akron vs. Kent State Over/Under: 50.5
Akron vs Kent State spread and Over/Under analysis
- Kent State is 3-7-0 against the spread this season.
- Akron is 2-4-0 ATS on the road this year.
- The Golden Flashes have gone Under the total in three of their last four.
- The Zips have cashed the Over in three of their last four.
Akron vs Kent State betting trend to know
These teams are scoring 32.9 points per game between them, 16.6 fewer than Tuesday’s total. Find more college football betting trends for Akron vs Kent State.
Akron vs Kent State game info
| Location: | Dix Stadium, Kent, OH |
| Date: | Tuesday, 11-19, 2024 |
| Kickoff: | 7:00 p.m. ET |
| TV: | CBSSN |
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