Kent State vs. Penn State Prediction
Is No. 11 Penn State set to roll over another opponent when the Nittany Lions play host to Kent State today at Noon ET?
Game Snapshot & Odds
119 Kent State at 120 Penn State
Saturday, September 15, 2018
Noon ET – Beaver Stadium
TV: FS1
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Public Betting Trends
According to oddsmakers at BetNow.eu, Penn State is the clear favorite in this game, as the Nittany Lions are getting odds of -35 points against the Golden Flashes. The over/under total has been set at 64.5 points. The public betting for this game currently has 69 percent going on Penn State at home. This information is subject to change, however, so be sure to check out our College Football Public Betting Page for updated figures on the game.
Penn State impressive at Pitt
After a close call with Appalachian State in the opener, Pitt came back with a dominant 51-6 win at Pittsburgh last week. The Nittany Lions are 1-1 against the spread while hitting the over in both games. Penn State has covered the spread in three of its last four games.
Penn State has an offense that is averaging 48 points and 412 yards through two games. The Nittany Lions are balanced, averaging nearly the same on the ground as they air through the air. Miles Sanders has run for 209 yards and two touchdowns, while quarterback Trace McSorley has thrown for 374 yards and three touchdowns while rushing for 89 yards and three scores. Defensively, Penn State is giving up 22 points and 375.5 yards per game. In the win over Pitt, PSU held the Panthers to just 55 passing yards.
Flashes could be a threat
Kenn State opened its season with a tough 31-24 loss at Illinois, but bounced back last week with a 54-14 win over Howard at home. The Flashes are 2-0 against the spread and 1-1 with the over/under. They have covered the spread in their last three games.
KSU is having success on offense thus far, averaging 39 points and 482 yards per game. Quarterback Woody Barrett has been tough to contain. He has thrown for 426 yards and three touchdowns while rushing for 135 yards and two scores. Justin Rankin has added 199 rushing yards while Jo-El Shaw has added 105 yards on the ground with three scores. The defense is giving up 22.5 points and 369.5 yards per game. Their run defense is allowing 172 rushing yards per game so far.
College Football Betting Trends
Penn State
Penn State is 10-3-2 against the spread in its last 15 home games and 5-1-1 ATS in its last seven non-conference games.
Kent State
Kent State is 2-8 against the spread in its last 10 games on grass and 3-8 ATS in their last 11 against Big Ten opponents.
Prediction:
Penn State has been able to handle Kent State for the most part over the years, the big question will be is if they can score enough points to cover such a lofty spread. The Nittany Lions looked great last week and I would expect that momentum to continue into this game. Kent played well at Illinois, but Penn State is a big step up compared to the Illini. I expect Kent State to be overwhelmed and not to be able to do much on offense.
College Football Prediction: Penn State -35
Related: Kent State vs. Penn State Total Prediction