Saturday afternoon will feature some MACtion when the Kent State Golden Flashes host the Ohio Bobcats. Both teams are 2-2 heading into this matchup. With Ohio traveling into Kent as a field-goal favorite against a team that already has a win in the MAC, this contest is set up to be closely-contested. This will be Ohio's first conference game of the season. They are currently 0-2 on the road with a 28-point loss to Nebraska and a five-point loss to Jacksonville State. Kent State's two losses have come against superior opponents in Ohio State and South Carolina -- they lost by a combined score of 116-3 in those two games. However, they have been solid against foes around their talent pool, as they won their two home games against Wofford and Ball State this season.
Ohio leads the all-time series between these two Ohio programs with a record of 31-22-2. Ohio won the last matchup in 2024, 41-0. Ohio's offense is looking for consistency as the season progresses, and they may have found a spark in their rushing game last weekend. Against Stonehill, Ohio ran for 310 yards and four touchdowns. All season, Ohio has leaned on their rushing game, averaging 189.5 yards per game on the ground. While the cliche is that defense travels, so does a good running game, and if Ohio can establish the run against a Kent State defense that has allowed 4.7 yards per carry this season, the Bobcats could be in a good position to get their first road win of the season. The most important factor for Ohio will be to establish the run early to stay out of long passing third downs. Kent State's defense has been impressive getting off the field, only allowing opponents to convert on third down 30% of the time. The good news for Ohio is that Kent State's defense has started slow in most games, as they have allowed opponents to run for 5.2 yards per carry in the first half this season.
If Ohio can establish the run early and put themselves in short down and distances, that should open up the passing game later on. Kent State ranks 124th in college football in yards allowed per play at 6.3. They have also allowed 8.9 yards per attempt through the air, meaning opportunities in the play-action should be present for Ohio. Ohio has shown to be the stronger team, and I believe they will get their first road win behind a strong rushing attack.
Ohio vs Kent State prediction: Ohio Bobcats -3.5 is available at the time of publishing. Playable at that number.
