Kent State wideout Wayne Harris has scorched the Golden Flashes’ last two MAC opponents. He caught 11 passes for 164 yards at Western Michigan, then nine for 156 and three touchdowns against Akron. Quarterback Dru DeShields threw four touchdowns and ran for another in that 35–20 win. Coach Mark Carney takes a revived passing game to Hornet Stadium on six days’ rest. Below is my preview, prediction, and pick for today’s college football game between the Sacramento State Hornets and the Kent State Golden Flashes.
Here’s how I’ll play it. I’ll be pumping out these predictions for individual games all season, with plenty of coverage here on DraftKings Network. Follow my handle @dansby_edits for more betting plays.
For easy access to tail my CFB picks swiftly, click here to join the CFB Committee Betting Group on DraftKings Sportsbook.
Sacramento State vs. Kent State prediction, preview
DeShields can throw to running back Brandon White, too. White caught two passes for 67 yards against Akron while Kent State managed just 82 rushing yards. During a 75-yard touchdown drive, DeShields found White for 52 yards before hitting tight end Hunter Hopperton for a two-yard score. The Flashes completed three touchdown drives of at least 67 yards before they intercepted a pass and recovered a muffed kickoff to set up touchdown possessions at Akron’s 22 and 13. Carney left his offense out on fourth down three times against Akron; the Flashes converted twice.
Sacramento State coach Alonzo Carter needs more from his pass rush after his defenders managed only one sack across their last two games. Safety Boogsie Silvera intercepted Ball State twice, including a deflected throw in the end zone; the Hornets still allowed 417 yards and seven of 13 third-down conversions. DeShields took no sacks against Akron. Carter has to hurry him before he can find Harris downfield again.
Carter’s offense has found something through receiver Jace Wilson’s move to tight end. Quarterback Jackson Sharman hit Wilson for a 65-yard touchdown at Ball State, where Wilson finished with three catches for 89 yards. Sharman completed 17 of 27 passes for 187 yards and two touchdowns without an interception. The Hornets finished touchdown drives of 78 and 81 yards. Kent State allowed Akron to pass for 275 yards, so Sharman has a credible way to answer through Wilson and wideouts Matt Coleman and Onterrio Smith Jr.
Kent State vs. Sacramento State pick, best bet
Sharman faces Kent State linebacker Hayden Dawahare, who sacked Akron twice. The Flashes have 19 sacks through eight games. Running back Isaiah Ene gave Carter 57 yards on ten carries at Ball State; Sacramento State still allowed three sacks, converted just three of 12 third downs and punted six times. They haven’t scored a rushing touchdown in six games. Kent State held South Florida to 78 rushing yards and recorded four sacks a week before beating Akron.
Kent State scored only seven at Western Michigan despite Harris’ big day. Against Akron, DeShields finished third-and-seven with a 19-yard touchdown to Harris, who had already scored from 55 yards. Carney can pursue touchdowns from midfield and near the goal line through the same receiver. Sharman has begun finishing long drives, too, but faces a defense that has been sacking quarterbacks considerably more often. I’ll lay 7.5.
Best bet: Kent State -7.5 (-112).
Projected score: Kent State 27, Sacramento State 17.
Best Bet: Kent State -7.5 (-110) at Sacramento State
For easy access to tail my CFB picks swiftly, click here to join the CFB Committee Betting Group on DraftKings Sportsbook.
