College Football Week 13 Akron-Kent State Predictions, Picks and Odds

This is a matchup only a bettor could love; The 0-10 Kent State Golden Flashes look to go on a winning streak tonight against the Akron Zips, who have just two wins this year.

Kent State enters as a 10.5-point underdog to Akron’s team, which has been the betting favorite for exactly one time on the season. Still, our Akron-Kent State predictions stay away from the spread and focus on the catch, especially the Under.

As two wildly struggling offenses go head-to-head, our college football predictions for Tuesday, Nov. 19 don’t expect a clash. Kickoff is scheduled for 7 p.m. at Dix Stadium on CBSSN.

Akron vs Kent State prediction and best bet

Who will win the Akron-Kent State game?

to say Kent State’s Golden Flashes Overmatched this season, that’s an understatement. It was very ugly. Aside from the close 37-35 loss to Ball State, the only other game the Golden Flashes played in scoring close to 20 points was against St Francis (PA), an FCS level opponent.

Overall, the Golden Flashes have lost 19 in a row, with only three of those games ending in a single-digit deficit.

Akron Zippers They have a pair of wins, though not great ones, and look semi-competent on the field, with only two losses in conference play by more than 10 points.

While Akron scored points in conference play, averaging 20.8 points per game, Kent State’s offense dried up in the MACtion.

The Flashes, who had over 30 losses against Eastern Michigan and Ball State to begin their conference slate, collected 34 points with an 8.5 average in four games.

It won’t be pretty, but Akron should get its third win of the year.

my best bet
below 48.5 (-105 on FanDuel)
Selections made at the time of writing may not reflect live odds.

my analysis

The offensive incompetence of both teams is appalling.

Kent State ranks last in total yards and yards per play and has the lowest in the nation with just 76.5 rushing yards per contest.

He ranks 125th in passing yards and has passed three quarterbacks. The latest, junior Tommy Ulatowski, has thrown for 114 yards or less in three consecutive games with four TD passes and five interceptions.

Kent State is in the bottom 3 of the college football rankings, allowing just 14.3 points per game.

The only thing worse than Kent State’s offense is its defense. Teams are averaging 264.9 yards rushing per game while ranking last in yards, giving up a whopping 521.9 yards per contest.

This will likely be the only time this season where Akron has field advantage, as they are extremely incompetent, rushing for just 82 yards per play (130th).

The only saving grace is the passing game, which ranks 63rd, averaging 231.8 yards per game.

Quarterback Ben Finley has over 300 passing yards in his last four contests, including four TDs and 378 yards in a 41-30 loss to Buffalo.

It didn’t contribute much to the Zips’ scoring production, as they ranked 125th in the country with 18.6 points per game.

Even if you’re playing against a team as bad as Akron, especially a team as bad as Kent State, I don’t recommend putting your money on double-digit favorites.

The Golden Flashes failed to reach the 49-point total in three of their last four games, while Akron fell below that total in four of their last six games.

Akron vs Kent State same game matchup (SGP)

below 48.5

Jordan Simmons 71.5+ rushing yards

Adrian Norton always TD

Jordan Simmons has been average at best at running back for the Zips, but how strong can the young receiver be against the worst run defense in college football?

Simmons has reached 71.5 yards twice in the last five games, but has been in the 60-yard range in two other games.

If Akron gives him more than 13 totes, as they have in each of the last four games, Simmons will easily surpass that number.

We’ll finish this SGP with wide receiver Adrian Norton, who has been good at scoring in his last three games, scoring four touchdowns. Kent State surrendered 23 TD passes on the year, the second-worst team behind Ball State. Look for Finley to find Norton to extend the series.

Learn how to bet on the same game with these helpful tips and strategies.

More college football picks and odds from Covers

Akron-Kent State betting odds

Akron-Kent State live betting odds

Akron-Kent State opening odds

• Difference between Akron and Kent State: Kent State +9.5
• Akron vs. Kent State moneyline: Akron -375, Kent State +290
• Akron vs. Kent State Over/Under: 50.5