Ohio Bobcats (4-1) vs Kent State Golden Flashes (1-4)
Game Info: Saturday, October 7, 2023 at 3:30 pm (Frank Solich Field at Peden Stadium)
Betting Odds: Ohio Bobcats -24.5 -- Over/Under: 47 Click Here for the Latest Odds
The Kent State Golden Flashes will make the in-state trip to Athens to meet the Ohio Bobcats in MAC action this weekend from Peden Stadium on ESPN+. Ohio and Kent State have faced off in nearly each season since 1949, and the Bobcats hold a series lead of, 45-27-2, but the Golden Flashes have won the last two meetings.
Kent State Golden Flashes Preview
Kent State dropped to 1-4 after losing to Miami (OH) at home, 23-3. The Golden Flashes struck first but failed to score again, and they’ll attempt to avoid a third straight loss this weekend. The Kent offense is scoring 21.0 ppg, while passing for 152.6 ypg, rushing for 116.2 ypg, and converting 33.3% of their third downs.
Kent State Player Notes
• Michael Alaimo went through a war with the Miami defense last weekend, taking seven sacks while only passing for 170 yards. The former Purdue QB has found life in Kent very tough early on, and he’s in for another fierce battle here with the Bobcats conference-leading defensive unit. Alaimo has passed for 763 yards with just one touchdown to three interceptions thru five games.
• Sophomore back Gavin Garcia has reached the 50-yard mark in four straight games, and he leads the Flashes in rushing with 337 yards on 87 touches.
• Chrishon McCray broke through with ten catches in the loss to Miami, and he now leads the team in receptions (19) and receiving yards (234).
• The Kent defense has allowed 34.0 points per game.
Ohio Bobcats Preview
Ohio enters at 4-1 after defeating Bowling Green on the road, 38-7. The Bobcats cruised to a win after jumping out to a massive halftime lead, and they’ll look to pick up their second straight in-state victory this weekend. The Ohio offense is scoring 21.0 ppg, while passing for 184.4 ypg, rushing for 140.0 ypg, and converting 43.1% of their third downs.
Ohio Player Notes
• Kurtis Rourke had a great performance versus Bowling Green, going 14/16 for 196 yards and three touchdowns. The senior quarterback did well game managing during the non-conference slate, and after balling out against the Falcons he looks ready to rev things up in conference play. Rourke has passed for 609 yards, with five touchdowns to two interceptions through four starts.
• Sophomore back Sieh Bangura gained 55 yards in the Week 4 win, and he leads Ohio with 287 rushing yards thru five games.
• Senior wideout Sam Wiglusz scored in the upset win over Iowa State, and he leads the Bobcats in receptions (21) and receiving yards (204).
• The Ohio defense is allowing 10.8 points per game.
Kent State vs Ohio Trends
• Kent St. is 1-4 against the spread, with a 3-2 O/U record.
• Ohio is 3-2 ATS, with a 0-5 over/under record.
Corey’s Free Pick
Ohio went through a battle-tested non-conference slate, and looked sharp in their first taste of MAC action, while Kent State has struggled in each of their four FBS games. The Golden Flashes inability to move the ball through the air may make this one lopsided early, and it should come down to a matter of how much. Let’s back a strong win for Ohio this weekend, and with the Bobcats holding such a positive under record, give that a look, as they could make it six straight.
Corey’s Pick Ohio to Cover
AUTHOR: Corey Ghee
Mitch's Take...
