Game: Ball State Cardinals vs. Kent State Golden Flashes

Date: Saturday, October 12, 2024

Location: Dix Stadium in Kent, OH

TV: ESPN+

Odds/point distribution: Golden Lightning (+6.5)

Total/Over-Under: 57.5

The Kent State Golden Flashes (0-5) will face the Ball State Cardinals (1-4) on Saturday, October 12, 2024 at Dix Stadium. Ball State is the 6.5-point favorite among Vegas oddsmakers. The over/under is 57.5.

The Ball State Cardinals enter this matchup 1-4 this season. The last time they took the field, the Cardinals faced the Western Michigan Broncos and emerged from that game with a 45-42 loss. They had 65 plays in the game, which gave them 397 yards. The Ball State Cardinals ended up running the ball 30 times and gaining 68 yards, giving them an average of 2.3 yards per carry. Against the run, the Cardinals gained 197 yards on 40 attempts, an average of 4.9 yards per run allowed. Ball State recorded 26 completions on 29 attempts for 264 yards and an 89.7% completion rate.

When it comes to getting to the end zone, the Ball State Cardinals are averaging 25.0 points per contest. As a team, they average 94.0 rushing yards, which ranks them 119th in Division 1. The Cardinals have totaled 1,628 yards this season. When it comes to scoring touchdowns, Ball State has scored 12 passing touchdowns and 4 rushing touchdowns. Offensively, Ball State totaled 103 1st downs and committed 24 infractions for 187 yards. They turned the football over eight times.

In terms of passing yards, the Cardinals have given up 1,507 yards, which ranks them 126th nationally. They have given up 301.4 yards through the air per game and have a completion rate of 73.5%. Overall, they have given up 512.8 yards per contest, which ranks them 133rd in the country. They scored 18 touchdowns through the air and 13 touchdowns on the ground. Opposing teams have averaged 6.6 yards per tote and 211.4 rushing yards per contest so far this season. This season they have allowed 1,057 yards on the ground game in five games. The Cardinals rank 133rd in D-1 in opponent scoring, giving up 48.2 PPG.

Get all our picks from college football experts

The Golden Flashes enter this game with a record of 0-5 this season. In their last game, the Golden Flashes suffered a loss with a final score of 52-33 against the Eastern Michigan Eagles. Kent State threw the ball 2.3 yards per attempt and finished the contest with 77 yards on 34 attempts. The Golden Flashes finished the game with 422 yards rushing on 62 plays (6.8 yards per play). The Golden Flashes’ pass defense posted a 78.8% completion rate and gave up 213 yards on 26 of 33 through the air. Kent State gave up 50 rushing attempts for 273 yards (5.5 yards per rush).

The Kent State Golden Flashes average 218.4 yards per game, ranking 134th nationally. Kent State’s offense has a penalty of 173 yards on 23 infractions, which ranks 119th nationally in margin of error . They are averaging 57.6 yards per game on the ground and have moved the ball a total of 288 yards. They threw 3 interceptions while allowing opponents to recover 4 fumbles and earned 64 1st downs. In terms of points put on the board, the Golden Flashes currently rank 129th nationally with 14.8 PPG. Over the season to this point, the Golden Flashes have totaled 804 passing yards, not to mention an average of 160.8 passing yards per game, which ranks them 123rd in Division 1.

Kent State has totaled 1,446 yards rushing this year (289.2 yards per game) and 18 rushing touchdowns. They have allowed 14 touchdowns via the pass in addition to 294.0 yards/competition, which ranks them 129th nationally. Their defense has yielded two fumbles and two picks on the campaign. The Golden Flashes’ defense has been on the field for 394 games, good for 116th in the nation. The Golden Flashes give up 51.4 points per contest, ranking 134th in D-1. This year they gave up 257 points.

Who will win the Cardinals/Golden Flashes college football game against the spread tonight?

Man’s Choice: Take the Golden Lightning +6.5

Get $60 worth of FREE Premium Member Tips. No obligation. No seller. No credit card. Quick sign up with instant access. Click here