The Penn State Nittany Lions (2-0) take on the Kent State Golden Flashes (0-3) in Beaver Stadium on Saturday, Sept. 21, at 3:30 p.m. ET on Big Ten Network.
The Nittany Lions topped West Virginia in their first game before topping Bowling Green by seven points in their second outing.
Meanwhile, the Flashes lost to Tennessee 71-0 in their last game.
Penn State enters this Week 4 contest as a 49-point favorite on the spread, while the total sits at 56. The Nittany Lions are -10000 on the moneyline.
So, where's the betting value? Let's dive into my Kent State vs. Penn State prediction below.
Kent State vs Penn State Prediction
- Kent State vs Penn State Pick: Penn State -49
My Kent State vs Penn State best bet is on the Nittany Lions spread with the best line currently available at DraftKings, according to our live NCAAF odds page.
Kent State vs Penn State Odds
| Kent State Odds | ||
|---|---|---|
| Spread | Total | Moneyline |
+49 -110 | 56 -105 / -115 | +5000 |
| Penn State Odds | ||
|---|---|---|
| Spread | Total | Moneyline |
-49 -110 | 56 -105 / -115 | -10000 |
- Kent State vs Penn State Point Spread: Kent State +49 (-110) · Penn State -49 (-110)
- Kent State vs Penn State Total: Over/Under 56
- Kent State vs Penn State Moneyline: Kent State +5000 · Penn State -10000
Kent State vs Penn State Preview
Kent State Golden Flashes Betting Preview: No Easy Task
Talk about a bounce back opportunity!
Last week, Kent State suffered one of the most humiliating, decisive defeats you'll see from an FBS team this season.
The Golden Flashes were thoroughly destroyed by Tennessee, and it arguably could have been even worse than the 71-0 final score. Kent State trailed 65-0 at halftime before Tennessee took its foot off the gas and emptied the bench.
It was an evisceration in all facets as Kent State gave up 284 passing yards (to 58 of their own) and 456 rushing yards (to 54 of their own). The only minor positive for Kent State is that it somehow didn't turn the ball over, but that makes the final score that much more impressive from Tennessee's side of things.
Kent State doesn't beat themselves, as they actually rank second in the country for the fewest penalties committed per game.
It's a tough task to go from one road game against a top-10 team to another, but Penn State presents different challenges than Tennessee did.
But the reality is — this is one of the worst teams in all of college football. Kent State ranks outside the top 115 in all key Success metrics, and there is no spot on the field that they can exploit from a talent perspective.
Penn State Nittany Lions Betting Preview: This Should Be a Blowout
While Kent State is likely looking to get through its non-conference schedule and into MAC play, Penn State still has plenty to prove, especially coming off of its most recent performance against a team from the MAC.
Following an impressive opening week win against West Virginia, Penn State nearly lost at home to Bowling Green in Week 2 before going on a bye in Week 3.
Now, Bowling Green is a much better football team than Kent State, and James Franklin's team will likely come off the extra week of prep looking to make a statement against an undermanned opponent, but it has to at least inspire confidence for Kent State that someone their own size had success against this group.
That is likely as far as the hope will go for Kent State though, because Penn State is loaded and fully capable of living up to its top-10 ranking.
Tennessee dominated Kent State and Penn State will be able to do the same. Running back Nicholas Singleton is an absolute monster and averaging 9.0 yards per carry on 26 carries this season. That average may go up after this game as Kent State ranks 119th in Rush Success allowed.
Quarterback Drew Allar looks improved this year and has thrown for 420 yards through two games. Franklin's offense won't need much from Allar, but he will get a few chances to take deep shots off of play action once Penn State establishes the run.
The only real concern for Penn State this week would be a look ahead to next week's Big Ten opener against Illinois, but coming off a bye with plenty still to prove, it is tough to see the Nittany Lions falling victim to the spot here.
Kent State vs Penn State
Matchup Analysis
Toggle the dropdowns below to hide or show how Kent State and Penn State match up statistically:
Kent State Offense vs. Penn State Defense
 | Offense | Defense |  Edge |
| Rush Success | 116 | 66 | |
| Line Yards | 116 | 27 | |
| Pass Success | 125 | 74 | |
| Havoc | 125 | 46 | |
| Finishing Drives | 129 | 77 | |
| Quality Drives | 129 | 76 | |
Penn State Offense vs. Kent State Defense
| Offense | Defense | Edge |
| Rush Success | 88 | 119 | |
| Line Yards | 51 | 133 | |
| Pass Success | 16 | 121 | |
| Havoc | 35 | 129 | |
| Finishing Drives | 19 | 116 | |
| Quality Drives | 33 | 134 | |
Pace of Play / Other
| | |
| PFF Tackling | 106 | 86 |
| PFF Coverage | 101 | 74 |
| Special Teams SP+ | 125 | 55 |
| Middle 8 | 122 | 75 |
| Seconds per Play | 28.9 (96) | 30.0 (112) |
| Rush Rate | 54% (64) | 68% (9) |
Kent State vs Penn State Pick & Prediction
Penn State will dominate this game on the line of scrimmage. Kent State has been blown off the line by bigger, stronger opponents this season and Penn State fits the bill.
Expect a huge game from Singleton, and enough big plays early before the Nittany Lions go to their bench to surpass the number and cover with ease.
Pick: Penn State -49
How to Watch Kent State vs Penn State Live: Start Time, TV Channel, Location
| Location: | Beaver Stadium |
| Date: | Saturday, Sept. 21 |
| Kickoff Time: | 3:30 p.m. ET |
| TV / Streaming: | Big Ten Network |
Kent State vs Penn State Betting Trends
- Kent State is 0-3 against the spread in its three games
- The total has gone over in two of Kent State's three games.
- Penn State is 1-1 against the spread in its two games.
- The total has gone over in one of Penn State's two games.
