Western Michigan vs. Kent State Prediction, Game Preview
Western Michigan vs. Kent State prediction and game preview. The Broncos try to remain undefeated when they visit the Golden Flashes in a Tuesday night MAC battle.
Western Michigan vs. Kent State prediction and game preview. The Broncos try to remain undefeated when they visit the Golden Flashes in a Tuesday night MAC battle.
Western Michigan vs. Kent State Game Preview
When: Tuesday, Nov. 8 – 7:30 p.m. ET
Where: Dix Stadium, Kent, Ohio.
TV Broadcast: ESPN2
There’s a reason Corey Davis is getting plenty of attention as a potential first-round NFL draft pick. His 14 touchdown receptions are tied for second in the country, and he ranks ninth in the nation in receiving yards with 1,011. The senior had the best effort of his career in last week’s 52-20 rout of Ball State, finishing with 12 catches for career-high 272 yards and three touchdowns. Davis is one of the biggest reasons the 9-0 Broncos have the inside track to play in a New Year’s Six bowl game.
He’ll look for another big performance against Kent State, which is coming off a thrilling 27-24, come-from-behind victory over Central Michigan on Oct. 29. It was a much-needed victory for the Golden Flashes as they avoided a third straight defeat, though beating Western Michigan will be a whole different challenge.
What To Know About Western Michigan
P.J. Fleck’s team is rolling, and it’s tough to see the Broncos losing prior to their bowl game. Not only is Davis shining, the man who’s throwing the ball to him is having a great season as well. Zach Terrell’s 71.6 completion percentage ranks second in the nation, and he is fourth in the country in passer rating while throwing 23 touchdowns against only one interception.
Terrell’s accuracy is a major reason why Western Michigan is tied with Washington for the nation’s best turnover margin at plus-15. It has only three giveaways, three fewer than any other team in the FBS.
What To Know About Kent State
Kent State will be ready for the Broncos’ passing attack, though. It leads the MAC in opponents’ passer rating at 114.35 and yards per attempt at 6.3. The Golden Flashes are also third against the run, which should help in stopping Jarvion Franklin, the MAC’s second-leading rusher. Western Michigan’s 27 rushing touchdowns lead the conference and rank ninth in the country.
Scoring has been the biggest problem for Kent State. Quarterback Nick Holley has rushed for at least 117 yards in four of the five games he’s played while scoring nine touchdowns, but the Golden Flashes are last in the MAC in red zone touchdown percentage at 48.4.
Advantages
Offense: Western Michigan – Terrell and Davis form one of the best duos in the nation.
Defense: Kent State – It will try to make the game a slog, as it allows a MAC-best 5.02 yards per play.
Special Teams: Western Michigan – Darius Phillips is one of the MAC’s most dangerous returners.
Coaching: Western Michigan – Will a bigger school lure Fleck away from Kalamazoo?
Intangibles: Western Michigan – Fleck has the most talent in the conference with the MAC’s best recruiting class three years running.
Matchup To Watch
Terrell vs. Kent State’s pass defense
The Broncos aren’t going to take the ball out of Terrell’s hands and lose a weapon like Davis just because Kent State has good numbers against the pass. How successful Terrell will be, though, remains to be seen.
Betting Odds
Spread: Western Michigan -20
Over/Under: No line as of post
Western Michigan vs. Kent State Prediction
The Golden Flashes won’t be able to stop Terrell and Davis as the Broncos run away with a big victory despite Holley putting up over 100 yards on the ground.
Western Michigan vs. Kent State final score prediction: Western Michigan 48, Kent State 10
