Kent State vs Sacramento State Prediction 10/30/2026 Today’s College Football Picks

The Kent State Golden Flashes and the Sacramento State Hornets meet in week 9 college football action from Hornet Stadium on Friday. We will look at this from a betting perspective and determine the best bets for this game. 

Kent State Golden Flashes vs. Sacramento State Hornets Prediction

I’m backing Sacramento State and the points in this one. I just think this is a tough spot for Kent State who are coming off of the rivalry win over Akron and now have to fly cross country for a game against Sacramento State who likely won’t have many winnable games left the rest of the season. Sacramento State still might be one of the worst teams in the FBS this season, but that doesn’t mean they’re allergic to getting a win here and there. Like I said, I think this is one of Sacramento State’s most winnable spots the rest of the way, so I’ll grab the points with the Hornets at home as I think we get one of their hardest efforts of the season.

Kent State Golden Flashes Recap

The Kent State Golden Flashes come into this game looking to add on to their 35-30 win over Akron last time out to sit at 3-5 this season. After this game, Kent State will head on the road for a game against Bowling Green.

Golden Flashes Snap Three-Game Slide

Dru DeShields has thrown for 1,439 yards, 8 touchdowns and 6 interceptions on 56.9% passing while Brandon White leads Kent State in rushing with 235 yards. Dru DeShields sits behind White on the ground with 217 yards and 4 touchdowns. Wayne Harris leads the Golden Flashes in receiving with 552 yards and 40 catches along with 4 touchdowns, while Da’Realyst Clark trails with 278 yards and 23 catches along with a touchdown. On defense, Hayden Dawahare has a team-high 43 tackles while Kent State’s defense as a whole has combined for 13 sacks and 7 interceptions.

Why the Kent State Golden Flashes will win

• Sacramento State has lost each of its last six games.
• The favorite has won each of Kent State’s last eight games.
• The favorite has covered the spread in seven of Sacramento State’s last eight games.
• Sacramento State has failed to cover the spread in each of its last four games.
• The road team has won the first quarter in each of Sacramento State’s last five games.
• The favorite has won the first half in each of Sacramento State’s last eight games.

Sacramento State Hornets Recap

The Sacramento State Hornets come into this game looking to bounce back from a 34-17 loss at the hands of Ball State last time out to sit at 1-7 this season. After this game, Sacramento State will square off against the Toledo Rockets at home.

Hornets Drop 6th Game In A Row

Jackson Sharman has thrown for 1,257 yards, 8 touchdowns and 6 interceptions on 56.4% passing while Isaiah Ene leads Sacramento State in rushing with 303 yards and a touchdown. Daniel Swinney sits behind Ene on the ground with 222 yards and a touchdown. Matt Coleman leads the Hornets in receiving with 492 yards and 39 catches along with 5 touchdowns, while Onterrio Smith Jr. trails with 350 yards and 33 catches along with a touchdown. On defense, Boogsie Silvera has a team-high 61 tackles while Sacramento State’s defense as a whole has combined for 16 sacks and 7 interceptions.

Why the Sacramento State Hornets will win

• Kent State has lost each of its last 10 road games in October.
• The home team has won each of Kent State’s last three games.
• The home team has covered the spread in each of Kent State’s last eight games.
• Kent State has failed to cover the spread in eight of its last nine October road games against non-AP-ranked teams.
• Kent State has lost the first half in each of its last 19 road games.

Chris Ruffolo's Pick: Sacramento State +9.5