Ohio vs Kent State Prediction 10/3/2026 Today’s College Football Picks

In this article, we will formulate an Ohio vs Kent State Prediction for this College Football Week 5 matchup on Saturday, October 3rd. Let’s take a look at the prediction for this College Football matchup.

Kent State Golden Flashes Preview

Kent State has a 2-2 record and are coming off a 26-13 home win against Ball State. They will face Western Michigan and South Florida next. Offensively, Kent State averages 16.2 points per game, ranking 134th in the nation, while defensively, they allow 36 points per game, which is 131st. Kent State averages 280 total yards per game (147.3 passing and 132.8 rushing), while allowing 388.8 total yards per game (131.8 rushing and 257 passing).

Dru DeShields leads Kent State with 540 passing yards with 58.8% completed passes and 3 touchdowns, also adding a team-high 183 rushing yards. Da’Realyst Clark has a team-high 13 receptions for 178 receiving yards. Defensively, Rocco Nicholl has a team-high 19 total tackles (11 of them solo), also adding a team-high 2 sacks.

Ohio Bobcats Preview

Ohio has a 2-2 record and are coming off a 35-7 home win against Stonehill. They will face Central Michigan and Sacramento State next. Offensively, Ohio averages 30.2 points per game, ranking 74th in the nation, while defensively, they allow 31 points per game, which is 122nd. Ohio averages 368.8 total yards per game (179.3 passing and 189.5 rushing), while allowing 388 total yards per game (168.5 rushing and 219.5 passing).

Matt Vezza leads Ohio with 400 passing yards with 73.5% completed passes and 4 touchdowns. Victor Rosa leads the team in rushing yards with 189, while Riley Neer has a team-high 21 receptions for 316 receiving yards. Defensively, Michael Molnar has a team-high 37 total tackles (20 of them solo), while Isaac Ackerman leads the team with 2 sacks.

Ohio Bobcats @ Kent State Golden Flashes Betting Trends: Week 5

Why the Kent State Golden Flashes will win

• The home team has won each of Kent State’s last four games.
• Ohio has lost six of its last eight road games.
• Ohio has failed to cover the spread in each of its last five road games in October.
• The home team has covered the spread in each of Kent State’s last four games.
• The home team has won the first quarter in each of Kent State’s last five games.
• The home team has won the first half in 14 of Kent State’s last 17 games.

Why the Ohio Bobcats will win

• Ohio has won each of its last 16 games as a favorite in Ohio.
• Kent State has lost 17 of its last 18 October games as an underdog.
• Ohio has covered the spread in each of its last four games as a favorite against teams from Ohio.
• Kent State has failed to cover the spread in six of its last seven home games against teams from Ohio.
• The favorite has won the first quarter in each of Kent State’s last six games.
• Kent State has lost the first half in each of its last 10 games as an underdog.

Total Points Facts

• Each of Kent State’s last four home games against conference opponents have gone UNDER the total points line.
• Six of Ohio’s last seven October games as a road favorite have gone UNDER the total points line.

Kent State Golden Flashes Player Prop Facts

• Heading into Week 5, Dru DeShields ranks 2nd amongst qualified players for sack percentage (1.2%) this season.

Ohio Bobcats Player Prop Facts

• Heading into Week 5, DJ Hamilton ranks 2nd amongst FBS players for kick return yards (313) this season.

Matchup/League Facts

• Kent State ranks T137th among FBS teams for Q3 points per game this season (0.0).
• Kent State ranks 134th among FBS teams for points per game this season (16.3).
• Ohio ranks T13th among FBS teams for 4th down conversion percentage this season (75.0).
• Ohio ranks 122nd among FBS teams for points allowed per game this season (31.0).

Ohio vs Kent State Prediction

In this Ohio vs Kent State Prediction, Ohio is coming as -3 road favorites. Both teams have identical records both overall and against the spread this season, but Kent State has won and covered both of its home games while Ohio has lost both on the road. But Kent State has been a bottom-10 squad both offensively and defensively, so I cannot pick a side in this matchup. Both teams have been terrible defensively, allowing 67 points per game combined and as a result, they are 6-2 to the over combined this season. Take the over 50.5 points in this one.

Nikos Lagouretos's Pick: Over 50.5