Following a heartbreaking loss in Austin, Ohio State will look to take its anger out on a struggling Kent State program when the Golden Flashes visit Ohio Stadium in Columbus at noon ET (FOX).
The Buckeyes are a 52.5-point favorite, and despite the massive spread, my Kent State vs. Ohio State prediction and college football picks back Ryan Day's offense to shine in a blowout win on Saturday, Sept. 19.
TOP PICK
Who will win Kent State vs Ohio State: Ohio State -52.5
When Ohio State gets the chance, it usually blows out lesser opponents. Since Ryan Day took over in 2019, the Buckeyes have played seven MAC teams, going 5-2 ATS while averaging 59 points per game.
In Week 1, Ohio State covered as a 49.5-point favorite against Ball State, winning 56-3. In that matchup, the Buckeyes outgained the Cardinals 671 to 165, despite only holding the ball for three more minutes than Ball State.
Kent State is arguably worse than Ball State, too. The Golden Flashes lost 57-0 to South Carolina in Week 1 and allowed 645 yards. The Golden Flashes are ranked 158th in the country in SP+'s Top 772... while the Buckeyes are ranked No. 2.
I like Ohio State to cover at -52.5 or better.
COVERS INTEL: Kent State's offense ranks 118th in EPA per pass and 119th in available yards percentage (23.4%); Ohio State's defense is sixth in EPA per pass and eighth in available yards percentage (18.7%).
Kent State vs Ohio State Over/Under pick: Over 59.5
The Mark Carney era (Kent State's head coach, not the Canadian prime minister) has gone far better than expected, with the team sitting at 6-8 since he took over. But when the Golden Flashes have played Power Four opponents, their defense has been far from golden.
In four P4 games under Carney, Kent State has allowed 57.2 ppg, and none of those offenses were as prolific as Ohio State's with Julian Sayin and Jeremiah Smith. The Buckeyes' offense is ranked fourth by SP+ and Top 15 in both EPA per pass and available yards percentage (71.8%).
The Buckeyes are 5-2 to the Over against MAC opponents during the Day era and could clear this total on their own.
Kent State vs Ohio State prop: Ohio State team total Over 55.5
In seven games against MAC teams since Day took over in 2019, Ohio State has scored 56+ points five times; they've even scored 76+ points twice.
And while the Buckeyes' offense fizzled in the second half against Texas, they won't against this Kent State defense. The Golden Flashes' defense ranks outside the Top 125 in available yards percentage (91.7%), early-down EPA per play, and third/fourth down success.
Kent State creates almost no negative defensive plays, finishing 10th in the MAC in havoc rate last year (13.8%) and sitting 11th in the conference this year (14.1%). The Buckeyes should score on almost every drive.
Kent State vs Ohio State combo
Ohio State's offense is one of the best in the country, and Kent State's defense is one of the worst. That's a recipe for the Buckeyes scoring touchdowns on pretty much every drive until they pull their starters in the second half.
A 35-0 halftime lead is doable, and I expect Ohio State to win the game in the ballpark of 59-3. Kent State's defense is non-existent.
Kent State vs Ohio State combo
- Ohio State -52.5
- Over 59.5
- First half Over 34.5
- Top picks: 7-4, +2.25 units
- Combos: 2-9, -1.04 units
Kent State vs Ohio State odds
For help understanding probabilities, see our odds calculator.
- Spread: Kent State +52.5 | Ohio State -52.5
- Over/Under: Over 59.5 (51%) | Under 59.5 (49%)
- Moneyline: Kent State 1% | Ohio State 99%
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Kent State vs Ohio State weather
With thunderstorms in the forecast later in the day, rain could come into play in the second half.
But given the massive talent discrepancy between these teams, the weather shouldn’t have much impact on the outcome.
Check out our college football weather page for up-to-date info on every matchup.
Kent State vs Ohio State trend to know
The Buckeyes have covered the spread in 10 of their last 13 games (+6.70 Units / 47% ROI). Find more college football betting trends for Kent State vs. Ohio State.
How to watch Kent State vs Ohio State
| Location | Ohio Stadium, Columbus, Ohio |
| Date | Saturday, Sept. 19, 2026 |
| Kickoff | 12:00 p.m. ET |
| TV | FOX |
Kent State vs Ohio State latest injuries
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