It’s hard to believe, but nine weeks of college football action is in the books, and we now look forward to Week 10. The point in the NCAAF schedule where the MAC conference action takes place on weeknights, and we have a great game to start it off with as the Kent State Golden Flashes will play host to the Cardinals of Ball State.
The Cardinals and Golden Flashes meet on Tuesday in a game that may have more implications than what some may expect. Both teams find themselves at 2-2 in conference play, both on the cusp of falling out of the race for the conference.
I’ll go through my thinking behind my Ball State vs Kent State best bets as I break down this MAC matchup.
Ball State vs. Kent State Information
When it comes to how college football injuries will affect this game, the Golden Flashes may have to go into this one without a few of their key starters, as NCAAF injuries are something that Kent State has been struggling with.
QB Collin Schlee is currently still questionable after missing last week’s game with a lower-body injury. Devin Kargman may get the second start of his career, though it will be a tough task if Dante Cephas is unable to play.
On the defensive side of the ball, CJ West is hopeful of making his return to the D Line this week which is good because after losing safety Antwaine Richardson for the season a few weeks ago, the Golden Flashes can’t afford to lose anyone else.
Keep all these injuries in mind when making your Ball State vs Kent State best bets.
Last Game Record
Ball State Cardinals is coming off of a loss to Eastern Michigan in a 20-16 game. The major difference was the three turnovers committed by Ball State, including two interceptions thrown by Cardinals QB John Paddock.
Kent State, on the other hand, is coming off a 33-27 win over Akron. Both teams find themselves with conference records of 2-2. Though on opposite sides of the MAC, both teams look to move up in the NCAAF standings with a win this week.
Ball State vs. Kent State Analysis
As it comes to NCAAF matchups this week, this is one of the better ones. I’m not sure everyone knows how Ball State and Kent State are very evenly matched statistically.
The two teams allow about the same amount of points and yards, and their points scored per game stat are separated by only .2.
However, I think that Kent State has a huge advantage when it comes to its run offense. Kent State is a run-heavy offense regardless of who is under center, and when you look at NCAA football stats, they’re currently ranked 32nd in the nation for rush yards per game, while it is Ball State’s apparent weakness as the Cardinals rank 114th in the nation in rush yards allowed per game.
While Ball State will succeed similarly with their pass attack against Kent State’s pass defense, they have yet to prove themselves consistent in point totals, scoring 44 points one week and 17 the next.
Kent State has scored over 20 points in all except one of their games, with 4-point totals of 30+, while Ball State has three games under 20 points.
Odds Breakdown
Ball State
Ball State odds are +205 for the moneyline, with the spread being set with the Cardinals being +6.5 underdogs.
Kent State
Kent State’s moneyline is set at -245, and they’re set as -6.5 favorites in regards to the spread. The point total is set at 62 points.
Ball State vs Kent State Betting Pick and Prediction
Pick 1: Kent State -6.5
I like Kent State to win this game, and when it comes to Kent State picks, I don’t think that getting their moneyline at -245 is bad. With that being said, I like the Golden Flashes. 6.5 points is one of those funny spreads where a team can feel dominant all game yet win inside the window.
One factor that makes me feel better about the pick is that Kent State comes in with the advantage in time of possession. This is a rare occurrence for Kent State though if they are successful in draining the clock with their run offense should give them an easier time covering, as Ball State will see the field fewer times than usual.
Pick 2: Under 62 Points
My favorite of my two Ball State vs Kent State best bets is Under 62 points. Kent State scores around that 30 mark somewhat consistently, and I truly believe that they will dictate the flow of the game and the clock more so this game than any other game this season.
My projected score is Kent State winning 31-21 in a game closer than what the scoreboard shows.
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