A couple of schools that like running the football, Coach Chuck Martin and the Miami (Oh) RedHawks (-11) are ready to take on their conference nemesis Kent State Golden Flashes at Fred C. Yager Stadium. This afternoon game is scheduled to get going at 2:30 p.m. ET and fans can catch the action live on ESPN+.
Kent State Golden Flashes vs. Miami (OH) RedHawks Betting Preview
In this Saturday Mid-American game, Miami (OH) is getting picked as the heavy favorite and is currently giving up 11 points. The Golden Flashes are also receiving +325 moneyline odds while the RedHawks are -450. Some decent live betting opportunities may present themselves during this matchup.
The game’s opening line was originally set at -13 but the sharp action is siding with the Golden Flashes.
The Golden Flashes have lost 2.0 units so far in 2018 and are 4-2 against the spread (ATS). The team has posted an Over-Under mark of 3-3. The RedHawks are down 1.6 units this season. The team is 3-3 ATS and owns an O/U record of 4-2.
The Golden Flashes have gone 1-5 straight up (SU), including 0-2 SU against conference opponents. The RedHawks are 2-4 SU overall and 2-1 SU in conference play.
The Golden Flashes dropped one to Ohio 27-26 in a game where the passing attack left much to be desired as Woody Barrett completed 27-of-35 passes for 271 yards, two scores and two interceptions. Justin Rankin (123 rushing yards on 16 attempts) and the signal-caller Barrett (61 yards on 12 carries) led the ground attack. Isaiah McKoy (eight receptions, 118 yards, one TD) and Antwan Dixon (six catches, 36 yards) shared the receiving duties in the defeat.
Miami (OH) just earned a 41-17 win over Akron. Gus Ragland completed 24-of-33 passes for 214 yards, one touchdown and one interception. Alonzo Smith (50 rushing yards on 13 attempts, one TD) mounted the running game as Dominique Robinson (five receptions, 77 yards) and Kenny Young (five catches, 18 yards, one TD) led the receiving corps in the win.
Each team sports a similar run-pass ratio on the season. Kent State has run the ball on 51.9 percent of its offensive possessions while Miami (OH) has an overall rush percentage of 50.5. The Golden Flashes have produced 179 rush yards per game (including 174 per game against Mid-American opponents) and have 10 scores on the ground this year. The RedHawks are averaging 132 rushing yards per game (184 in conference) and have nine total rush TDs.
If the results so far this season are any indication, then the RedHawks ought to hold an edge when it comes to quarterback protection, as their offensive line has given up only four sacks while their D-line has logged 14 sacks. The Golden Flashes offensive line has given up 24 sacks and their defense has generated only 14 sacks.
The Golden Flashes offensive scheme has averaged 239 yards in the air overall (293 per game versus conference opposition) and has eight passing TDs so far. The RedHawks have produced 205 pass yards per game (209.0 in the MAC) and have nine total pass scores.
Kent State has let opponents run for an average of 190 yards and pass for 319 yards per game. The Miami (OH) defense has given up 239.3 yards per game to opposing passers and 123.5 yards per game on the ground. The RedHawks are allowing an adjusted net yards per pass attempt (ANY/A) of 6.81 to opponents, while the Golden Flashes have given up a staggering 8.87 ANY/A.
Offensively, Barrett has amassed 1,097 passing yards on the year. The signal-caller has connected on 112-of-183 attempts with six passing scores and six interceptions. Barrett has a 4.13 adjusted net yards per pass attempt, including 5.45 over the last two outings.
Justin Rankin (386 rushing yards, one rush TD, 84 receiving yards this season), Isaiah McKoy (243 receiving yards, two receiving TDs) and Trey Harrell (132 receiving yards) have each played significant roles lately.
Gus Ragland has managed to complete 92-of-155 passes for 937 yards, six TDs and three INTs for Miami (OH). His ANY/A stands at 5.70 for the season and 8.14 over his last two outings.
Jack Sorenson (221 receiving yards, two receiving touchdowns this season), Dominique Robinson (77 receiving yards) and Alonzo Smith (270 rush yards, two rush TDs, 69 receiving yards) have combined to account for 413 yards from scrimmage and three touchdowns over the past two games.
These two squads faced off a year ago with the final result being a 17-14 win for Kent State.
RELATED: Week 7 College Football Betting Odds and Predictions
Betting Prediction: Kent State Golden Flashes vs. Miami (OH) RedHawks
SU Winner – Miami (OH), ATS Winner – Miami (OH)
Click Here to Start Betting Today!
Notes
Team Betting Notes
Kent State was getting 12 points in its previous game and the O/U was set at 70. The under cashed and Kent State covered in the 27-26 defeat to Ohio.
Kent State has produced 4.20338983050847 yards per carry over its past three games and 4.5 over its last two.
Miami (OH) has averaged 4.7 yards per carry over its last three contests and 4.0 over its past two.
The Miami (OH) offense has lost three fumbles this season while Kent State has let seven get away.
Over its last three games, Kent State is 2-1 ATS and the under cashed in two of those three.
Miami (OH) was favored by 5 points in its last game and the Over/Under was set at 47. The over cashed and Miami (OH) covered in the 41-17 victory over Akron.
Over its last three games, Miami (OH) is 3-0 ATS and the over cashed in each of those three.
The Golden Flashes offense has produced six pass plays of 40 or more yards, while the RedHawks have put up two such plays.
The Kent State defense has allowed 11 pass plays of 40 or more yards, while Miami (OH) has given up one such play.
The Kent State offense has created 13 rushing plays of 20 or more yards, while Miami (OH) has created seven such run.
The Golden Flashes defense has allowed 11 rushing plays of 20 or more yards, while the RedHawks have given up one such run.
Each team defense has tallied 14 sacks this year.
*****
