Kent State vs Northern Illinois prediction and analysis

Kent State vs Northern Illinois: Matchup Overview

This college football showdown features the Kent State Golden Flashes taking on the Northern Illinois Huskies on Northern Illinois’ home turf. As we dive into the betting angles and team performances, it’s clear that recent trends and offensive struggles will play a significant role in the outcome of this contest.

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Team Performance and Trends

• Northern Illinois Huskies have experienced considerable difficulty as home favorites, losing six of their last nine November contests in that role. Additionally, they have struggled to cover the spread at home, failing to do so in nine of their last 10 games there.
• Kent State Golden Flashes have demonstrated some success covering the spread when playing as underdogs against teams from Illinois, successfully doing so in their last three instances.
• In recent matchups involving Northern Illinois as a home favorite against Ohio teams, five out of six games have gone over the total points line, indicating the potential for high-scoring games.
• Conversely, Kent State’s last five November games as an underdog on the road have all gone under the total points line, highlighting tendencies towards lower-scoring affairs.

Statistical Analysis

• Northern Illinois has one of the least productive passing offenses in the FBS, ranking 134th with just over 105 yards passing per game.
• Both teams struggle to consistently sustain drives, with Northern Illinois ranking 134th and Kent State 136th in first downs this season, underscoring offensive inefficiency.
• Kent State has been particularly vulnerable on the road with multiple heavy defeats by margins greater than 40 points, indicating defensive frailties and challenges in away games.

Betting Angles and Predictions

Given Northern Illinois’ underwhelming ability to cover the spread at home and Kent State’s recent success as an underdog against Illinois-based opponents, this game poses a compelling upset opportunity.

Offensively, both teams face significant hurdles, suggesting a low to moderate scoring game which is a contrasting insight to the historical Everett that Northern Illinois games as home favorites often see more points than expected.

Expect a hard-fought battle with defenses holding the edge. Kent State’s resilience as an underdog could keep this game close, possibly leading to Kent State covering the spread.

Prediction Summary

While Northern Illinois holds the home field advantage, their recent failure to cover spreads and offensive struggles offer Kent State a pathway to keep the contest competitive. The matchup likely tilts towards a lower-scoring game given Kent State’s historical November underdog under performances. Bettors should weigh Kent State on the spread and consider the under total points.

Final Prediction

Northern Illinois to win but Kent State to cover the spread. Look for a final score in the vicinity of Northern Illinois 21, Kent State 17.