Two schools that had matching records in 2017, the Illinois Fighting Illini (-17) are gearing up to take on the Kent State Golden Flashes at Memorial Stadium. Fans are able to catch the action live on Big Ten Network and this vital afternoon game starts at 12:00 p.m. ET.
Kent State Golden Flashes vs. Illinois Fighting Illini Betting Preview
Kent State is a big road underdog in this game and is currently receiving 17 points. In order to take the home favorite, moneyline bettors would currently need to spend $1,200 to win $100 back on the Fighting Illini (-1200). The Golden Flashes are getting +710 moneyline odds. This matchup is a toss-up. If one side gets out in front early it’ll create a nice betting opportunity in-game. Vegas has determined the over/under (O/U) to be 55.5 points.
The game’s over/under was set originally at 50.5, but the early action has moved to the over.
Both programs recorded disappointing 2-10 straight up (SU) campaigns last season. Against in-conference competition, the Golden Flashes were 1-7 SU while the Fighting Illini were 0-9 SU versus Big Ten schools. The Golden Flashes were 1-3 SU when playing teams out of conference and the Fighting Illini were 2-1 SU against such teams.
The Golden Flashes averaged 155 passing yards per game and 142 rushing yards per game against their eight in-conference opponents last year. They managed to put up 13.6 points per game against those opponents while giving up 33.9 per contest. When facing out-of-conference programs, they averaged 11.0 points and 37.5 points-allowed, along with 59 pass yards per game and 174 rush yards per contest.
Against out-of-conference foes in 2017, the Fighting Illini passed for 180 yards per game and ran for 110 per game on their way to 22.3 points per outing. When playing just Big 10 opponents, the offensive unit recorded 13.1 points per game by averaging 173 passing yards and 104 rushing yards. The Fighting Illini defense allowed 25.0 PPG to non-conference foes and 33.7 to Big 10 teams
Neither team was incredibly effective in the ground game last year. The Fighting Illini rushed for just 3.3 yards per carry and the Golden Flashes ball-carriers put up a YPC of 3.5.
Bedding Prediction: Kent State Golden Flashes vs. Illinois Fighting Illini
SU Winner – Illinois, ATS Winner – Illinois, O/U – Under
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Notes
Team Betting Trends
The Golden Flashes created 10 rushing touchdowns last season.
The Fighting Illini put up 11 rushing touchdowns last season.
The Golden Flashes put up 3.5 yards per carry last season while allowing a YPC of 5.3 to opponents.
The Fighting Illini registered 3.3 yards per carry last season and allowed a YPC of 4.8 to opponents.
Both of these teams threw for exactly eight passing touchdowns last season.
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