The Kent State Golden Flashes (5-4, 4-1 MAC) travel to meet the Central Michigan Chippewas (5-4, 3-2) Wednesday at Kelly/Shorts Stadium. Kickoff is scheduled for 8 p.m. ET. Below, we look at the Kent State vs. Central Michigan odds and lines, and make our expert college football picks, predictions and bets.
The Golden Flashes were ridiculous on offense last week against visiting Northern Illinois, outlasting the Huskies 52-47. Kent State picked up 359 yards on the ground and 322 yards through the air.
The Chippewas also had a big-time offensive performance, winning 42-30 as a nine-point underdog in Kalamazoo against Western Michigan. Special teams were a huge part of the victory as WR Kalil Pimpleton had a pair of punt returns for score in the second quarter last week to serve as the difference maker.
Rankings courtesy of the AFCA Coaches Poll powered by USA TODAY Sports.
Kent State at Central Michigan odds, spread and lines
Odds provided by Tipico Sportsbook; access USA TODAY Sports Scores and Odds for a full list. Lines last updated at 8:10 a.m. ET.
- Money line: Kent State +115 (bet $100 to win $115) | Central Michigan -140 (bet $140 to win $100)
- Against the spread (ATS): Kent State +2.5 (-107) | Central Michigan -2.5 (-115)
- Over/Under (O/U): 75.5 (O: -108 | U: -112)
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Kent State at Central Michigan odds, lines, picks and predictions
Prediction
Kent State 43, Central Michigan 37
Money line
KENT STATE (+115) has a tremendous offense worthy of respect. Central Michigan (-140) won’t be an easy out on its home field, but the Golden Flashes have the offense to roll with anyone.
QB Dustin Crum has thrown for 2,092 yards, 11 touchdowns and two interceptions while running for 440 yards and eight scores. But he isn’t a one-trick pony. RB Marquez Cooper has rolled 731 yards and seven scores, while WR Dante Cephas has posted 55 grabs for 807 yards and six touchdowns. Kent State can come at you from a number of ways.
Against the spread
KENT STATE +2.5 (-107) isn’t as great of a value, but if you think this is going to be a one- or two-point game, have at it. It’s better to just play the money line.
Over/Under
The OVER 75.5 (-108) is worth a small-unit play, even though this is a big number. We saw three MAC teams go for 40 or more points in Tuesday’s games, hitting the Over in two of three. Last week the Over was 4-1 in the five mid-week MAC games, including for each of these teams. Expect another high-scoring affair in Mount Pleasant.
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