Kent State vs Akron Prediction, Picks & Odds for Tonight — College Football Week 12

With bad weather expected, Akron should lean on its defense and Jordan Gant’s ground game to cover against Kent State.

Phil Naessens - Contributor at Covers.com
Phil Naessens • Betting Analyst
Nov 11, 2025 • 16:23 ET • 4 min read

NCAAF

Match starts: 1 hrs
AKR
74 %
KENT
26 %
Read Analysis
Jordan Gant Akron Zips NCAAF
Photo By - Imagn Images. Akron’s Jordan Gant reacts to his touchdown during the Zips homecoming at InfoCision Stadium.

The Akron Zips are just two wins shy of securing their first six-win season in nearly 10 years as they host the Kent State Golden Flashes in a MAC showdown.

The Wagon Wheel rivalry always brings some heat, and my Kent State vs. Akron predictions have the Zips taking firm control in this one.

Read on for my college football picks for Tuesday, November 11.

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Kent State vs Akron prediction

Kent State vs Akron best bet: Akron -5.5 (-108)

The Akron Zips need two wins, and they close their season with 1-8 Bowling Green. That means an Akron win would land them their first six-win season since 2017.

Akron’s defense has been the backbone all year, ranking 11th nationally in red zone defense and forcing 17 turnovers, including six inside the 20-yard line. 

They’ll host a Kent State Golden Flashes offense and defense that are among the nation’s least productive. 

Kent State has scored fewer than 20 points in six of nine games, and its defense has allowed at least 31 points twice in five MAC games. 

Cold, windy weather plays right into the Zips’ style. Look for a heavy dose of running back Jordan Gant, a heavily motivated defense, and just enough of quarterback Ben Finley’s arm to cover the spread.

Kent State vs Akron same-game parlay

Akron running back Jordan Gant scored a touchdown last week, has four TD scampers this season, and meets a Kent State defense that’s already allowed 15 rushing touchdowns.

We’ll add the Under to this ticket as blustery conditions are expected. Akron's red-zone defense is among the best nationally, while Kent State's offense is one of the worst. 

Kent State vs Akron SGP

  • Akron -5.5
  • Jordan Gant anytime touchdown
  • Under 47.5

Our deep-ball SGP: Under the weather

With the wind wreaking havoc with both schools' passing games, I’m expecting below-average numbers for both quarterbacks.

Finley has thrown three touchdown passes only twice this season, and Kent State QB Dru Deshields has just two games of 189+ passing yards.

Kent State vs Akron SGP

  • Akron -5.5
  • Jordan Gant anytime touchdown
  • Under 47.5
  • Ben Finley Under 2.5 passing touchdowns
  • Dru DeShields Under 188.5 passing yards

Kent State vs Akron game predictions

Kent State vs Akron moneyline prediction

The Golden Flashes are winless on the road, and I’ll back Akron to win this game.

Kent State vs Akron spread prediction

Akron boasts one of the best red-zone defenses in the country and a robust rushing offense. That combination is why I’m backing Akron to cover the spread.

Kent State vs Akron Over/Under prediction

The wind will slow Akron's offense, while Kent State's lackluster offense will also keep this game Under the game total. 

Kent State vs Akron odds

  • Spread: Kent State +5.5 (-115) | Akron -5.5 (-105)
  • Moneyline: Kent State +166 | Akron -198
  • Over/Under: Over 46.5 (-110) | Under 46.5 (-110)

Kent State vs Akron trend to know

Kent State has hit the Game Total Under in 7 of their last 12 games (+1.50 Units / 11% ROI). Find more college football betting trends for Kent State vs Akron.

How to watch Kent State vs Akron

Location InfoCision Stadium, Akron, OH
Date Tuesday, November 11, 2025
Kickoff 7:30 p.m. ET
TV ESPNU

Kent State vs Akron latest injuries

Kent State vs Akron weather

Monitor gametime conditions with our College football weather info.

Odds are correct at the time of publishing and are subject to change.
Not intended for use in MA.
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Phil Naessens
Betting Analyst

Prior to joining Covers in 2022, Phil Naessens spent 38 years as a resident tennis pro in Las Vegas, Mykonos, and Corfu, Greece. He’s the past host of the Phil Naessens Show (Armed Forces Radio), and currently hosts the Crush and Rush Tennis Podcast.

Phil is the author of the Betting 101 series (MLB, NFL, NCAAF, and Tennis) and has written for numerous publications, including Advance Local, SB Nation, FanSided, and Lenny Melnick Fantasy Sports. 

His favorite sports to bet on are tennis, MLB, WNBA, Euro men’s and women’s hoops, NCAA sports, NFL, and the NBA. Phil has numerous betting accounts in the US and Europe, and his best advice is to line shop for the best value possible.

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