Marshall vs. Kent State Prediction, Game Preview

The Marshall Thundering Herd head to Ohio to play the Kent State Golden Flashes. We take a look at the teams below in the Marshall vs. Kent State prediction and game preview.

Marshall vs. Kent State Prediction & Preview

Broadcast

Date: Saturday, September 26
Game Time: 3:30 ET
Network: ESPN3

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Why You Need To Care

Marshall returns to the scene of its only loss, the state of Ohio to face a MAC program. Two weeks ago, the Thundering Herd bowed to the Ohio Bobcats before bouncing back to defeat Norfolk State, 45-7. Kent State is a game below .500, though the team is showing improvement. Just last week, the Golden Flashes came within three points of upsetting the Big Ten’s Minnesota.

Why Marshall Will Win

The Herd has the much better offense here. Devon Johnson is a wrecking ball on the ground, and Chase Litton did a very nice job in his first QB start, throwing four touchdown passes without a pick. Even a couple of scores may be too much for Kent State, which has scored 10 points in two games with FBS opponents.

Why Kent State Will Win

Since getting torched by Illinois, the defense is playing really well. The Golden Flashes are generating pressure and turnovers, bagging nine sacks and seven takeaways in three games. DT Terence Waugh gets off the snap quickly, and safeties Nate Holley and Jordan Italiano roam the field like linebackers. Kent State forces teams to earn every point and first down.

Player Who Matters

Kent State QB Colin Reardon versus the Marshall secondary is a matchup that favors the visiting team. Reardon was a mess in his two games with faster defenses. And the Herd is littered with good athletes, like LB Evan McKelvey and safeties Taj Letman and Tiquan Lang, who’ll turn forced balls into takeaways.

What’s Going To Happen?

Kent State is a plucky squad, with the defense to frustrate superior opponents. But without the offensive attack to match the defensive muscle, the Flashes will only hang around for so long against Marshall. Johnson will shoulder the load on the ground, outscoring the home team on his own.

Marshall vs. Kent State Prediction

Prediction: Marshall 28, Kent State 13, Line: Marshall -9, o/u: 52.5
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