Kent State as a big road favorite? Nah, I'm good. I understand Sacramento State's ascension to FBS football has been anything but glamorous. The Hornets have lost 6 straight, sit at 1-7 with a 2-6 ATS record, and have yet to beat an FBS opponent this season. But since when has Kent State been a team accustomed to excelling in this role? The Golden Flashes have spent much of their recent history being described by many as a cupcake, tune-up opponent, or featherweight themselves. You get the gist.
Bottom line, nobody wants to bet Sacramento State right now unless the number next to its name is generous enough to make it worthwhile. That's where the bookmakers come in. They have to curate a price that attracts some action on the Hornets, and they've certainly attracted mine. Kent State hasn't won on the road this season and even lost at home to a team in FCS Tarleton State, albeit the Texans are among the best in the FCS. However, the Flashes just won and covered against rival Akron as a 2.5-point home favorite in a 15-point win. Congratulations. That suddenly makes them double-digit road chalk? I don't buy it. Sacramento State's stock is dreadful but Kent State hasn't earned the right to command this kind of respect away from home because they beat Ball State and Akron as a favorite on their own turf. I wouldn't be shocked if the Hornets won outright. If CSUS had any semblance of market credibility, I could only imagine what the price would be. It surely wouldn't be +10, that's for sure.
Kent State Golden Flashes vs. Sacramento State Hornets prediction: Sacramento State +10 (-110) available at time of publishing. Playable to +9.
