Kent State Golden Flashes vs Bowling Green Falcons

The Bowling Green Falcons (5-4 SU, 3-5-1 ATS) will be eyeing sole possession of first place in the Mid-American Conference East Division standings when they host the Kent State Golden Flashes (3-6, 3-6) on Wednesday in Week 11 college football action.

The Falcons are coming off a narrow 13-9 victory over Western Michigan and are deadlocked with Buffalo and Ohio atop the division standings. The Golden Flashes are coming off a 27-20 loss to the visiting Ball State Cardinals and are winless straight up in five road games this season.

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Kent State vs Bowling Green Sportsbook Odds

Despite enjoying a three-game win streak that has lifted them to the top of the standings, the Falcons have held steady since Sportsbook as 2.5-point home underdogs. The total has faded since Sportsbook at 57, dipping to its current position at 55.5.

The Golden Flashes have dominated Bowling Green in recent years, earning the win in four straight meetings, capped by a 27-20 home victory last season. That was a much closer affair than their three previous victories, which they won by an average margin of 29 points. With the Golden Flashes running up the score, the OVER has paid out in two of the last three meetings. However, it has been the UNDER that has prevailed in four of their past five dates at Bowling Green.

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Golden Flashes Search for End to Road, ATS Slides

The Golden Flashes’ recent woes deepened with last week’s loss to Ball State. In addition to marking their third defeat in four overall outings, it also marked the team’s second loss in three outings as betting chalk, extending their current ATS losing streak to five games. Kent State has particularly struggled on the road, with their five straight losses coming by an average of 19.2 points.

Things got no better for the Golden Flashes in last week’s loss to the Cardinals. After seizing an early 13-0 lead, the team surrendered 20 straight points on the way to a 27-20 loss. That marked the third time in six outings that Kent State has squandered an early lead.

The Golden Flashes have struggled to contain opposing rushers, who have racked up 10 scoring runs over the past three games. But on a positive note, running back Marquez Cooper has found a higher gear since the start of October. Cooper ran for 168 yards and his ninth score of the season last week and has now compiled at least 137 rushing yards in four of his past five outings.

Falcons’ Surge Built on Stingy Defense

The Falcons extended their current win streak last week with a steady defensive performance in a 13-9 win over Western Michigan. Despite turning the ball over three times on fumbles, Bowling Green managed to limit the Broncos to just four first downs and 91 total yards before halftime and kept WMU off the scoreboard until late in the third.

Overall, the Falcons have held opponents to just 13.3 points per game during their current 3-0 run. The defense has been especially stingy against the pass, allowing just three total scoring passes over their past four outings, while recording 11 sacks over that stretch to boost their total sacks to 33, good for second in the nation.

However, the offense would benefit greatly from a boost, particularly under center. Quarterback Matt McDonald was limited to just 161 passing yards last week and failed to find the end zone for the second time in three outings. He has also been sacked 13 times over that stretch. Tight end Harold Fannin Jr. has stepped up to fill the void. The freshman has touchdowns in each of the team’s three recent wins and has found the end zone in five straight appearances.

Kent State: Keys To Victory

This team’s ability to blow leads has emerged as a concern. Accordingly, the Golden Flashes must find ways to generate offense early, and avoid the mistakes and sloppy play that have marked their slide. The pass defense has also struggled of late, but could benefit from maintaining consistent pressure on slumping Falcons passer Matt McDonald.

Bowling Green: Keys To Victory

After allowing just six total points in the first quarter over their three recent wins, the Falcons will be looking to turn in another stout defensive performance out of the gate Wednesday night. A tighter performance from the offensive line would also provide Matt McDonald with more time and space, and give the Falcons pivot a fighting chance to snap out of a funk at home, where he has thrown for just one score in three outings.

College Football Computer Pick: Kent State -2.5

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