The Kent State Golden Flashes ended a seven-game straight-up losing streak last week with a 27-7 win over FCS Monmouth-New Jersey, but they face a far greater challenge when they visit the defending national champion Alabama Crimson Tide on Saturday in a Week 4 matchup at Bryant-Denny Stadium.
Shark Bites
- The total has gone OVER in 3 of Alabama's last 4 games against teams with losing records.
- Kent State is 0-6 SU and 1-5 ATS in its last 6 games after a win.
- The total has gone UNDER in 5 of Kent State's last 6 games on the road.
The Golden Flashes were shut out three times during the five-game SU losing streak that closed out their 2015 campaign, finishing with a 3-9 record and dead last in the nation in scoring, with just 13.1 points per game. The club has averaged over 31 points per game in its past two, both against FCS squads, but has lost five straight to SEC opponents, scoring over 14 points just once.
The Crimson Tide maintained their perch atop the AP Top 25 rankings with last weekend's narrow 48-43 victory over Ole Miss, extending their current SU win streak to 15 games, but they are just 3-3 ATS in their past six, twice surrendering more than 40 points.
The defending champions routed Kent State in their sole previous meeting, a 48-7 win as 39-point chalk in 2011, and have been nearly unstoppable in September contests, going an impressive 29-1 SU in their past 30.
Sportsbook Odds & Computer Pick
Sportsbooks such as Sportsbook had set the Alabama Crimson Tide as -41.5-point favorites on the Sportsbook betting line for this contest. Watch for over-under updates and superior underdogs lines at Sportsbook.
Odds Shark computer prediction handicapping models run on this game pick a 50-0 victory for the Crimson Tide. View the computer score prediction and who will win the pick on the moneyline for all upcoming NCAAF matchups here.
Kent State Golden Flashes vs Alabama Crimson Tide Matchup
Team Betting Records & Power Rankings
The Kent State Golden Flashes will try to spoil to the party on Saturday; they are 2-1 ATS against the spread this season, while the Alabama Crimson Tide are 2-1 ATS. Kent State is 2-1 on the over under betting totals; Alabama is 2-1. Stay Informed: follow us on Twitter for odds specials, betting line moves and Alabama vs Kent State injuries news.
The power rankings show a disparity between these teams, with the Alabama Crimson Tide rated this week at No. 2 and the Kent State Golden Flashes sitting at No. 116.
Statistical Matchup
Offensively, the game matches up the Alabama Crimson Tide No. 11-ranked offense (46 PPG) against a Kent State Golden Flashes defense that ranks No. 73 at 26.33 PPG. The Alabama Crimson Tide passing attack has averaged 244 yards per game, more than the Kent State Golden Flashes give up through the air (193.67 YPG on average).
In comparing defenses, the Kent State Golden Flashes own the league's No. 44-rated front 7 in terms of stopping the run, allowing 145 yards per game when on the road. Alabama, on the other hand, rates No. 78 this week in generating rushing yards at home.
Ole Miss was unable to contain Jalen Hurts in its last action Saturday and the result was a 48-43 Week 3 loss against the Crimson Tide.
- Kent State is 2-6 ATS in its last 8 games
- Kent State is 1-7 SU in its last 8 games
- Kent State is 1-11 SU in its last 12 games on the road
- The total has gone UNDER in 5 of Kent State's last 6 games on the road
- Alabama is 7-3 ATS in its last 10 games
- Alabama is 5-0 SU in its last 5 games
- The total has gone OVER in 4 of Alabama's last 6 games
- Alabama is 5-1 ATS in its last 6 games at home
Next Betting Matchups
Kent State home to Akron, Saturday, October 1st
Alabama home to Kentucky, Saturday, October 1st
