Kent State Golden Flashes vs UCF Knights 8/31/2023 Odds, Picks and Predictions

Kent State Golden Flashes vs UCF Knights 8/31/2023 – The excitement of college football is about to unfold as the Kent State Golden Flashes (5-7, 5-7 ATS, 4-7-1 O/U) prepare to take on the UCF Knights (9-4, 7-6 ATS, 6-7 O/U) in the season opener at the Bounce House. The field is set for a thrilling face-off as these two teams bring their strengths and aspirations to the field on Thursday evening. The college football week 1 betting odds are updated online for bettors to place their bets on their favorite teams.

Team	SP/RL	TOTAL	ML
Golden Flashes	+37 (-110)	59 o (-110)	+4500
Knights	-37 (-110)	59 u (-110)	-11000

Thursday night's @KentStFootball game expected to go forward as Idalia approaches northern Florida: https://t.co/UocUPtWkXB

— Kent State (@KentState) August 29, 2023

Kenni Burns vs Gus Malzahn

For the Kent State Golden Flashes, the upcoming season carries the essence of a rebuilding year. While their 5-7 record last season showcased competitiveness, it fell just short of the six-win mark needed to secure a coveted bowl berth. One notable change for the Golden Flashes is at the quarterback position. Michael Alaimo has taken over from former quarterback Collin Schlee at UCLA as a quarterback, providing Michael Alaimo, a junior transfer from Purdue, with ample Big Ten experience having completed 18 passes while with them.

Kent State’s offensive strategy centers around fast-paced games that quickly advance them down the field. Ky Thomas, a transfer from Kansas State, adds depth and promise to their running game; having amassed 824 yards at Minnesota in 2021 and 162 at Kansas last year alone, Thomas is set to make an immediate impactful statement at Kent State. Xavier Williams returns after missing the 2022 campaign as well, fortifying its backfield even further.

Golden Flashes receiver Trell Harris may prove instrumental in filling key player voids left by departures; even though he only totaled 135 receiving yards as a freshman he has advanced up the depth chart and could experience an exceptional season.

Kent State’s Golden Flashes’ defense remains their weakness, especially after losing last year’s tackling leader, Nico Bolden. Dallas Craddieth from Iowa could help shore up pass defense; Kent State currently ranks 117th against passes and 81st against runs in the 2022 season rankings.

UCF Knights’ Transition to BIG 12: Focusing on Offensive Prowess and Key Players

The University of Central Florida Knights will soon make their inaugural appearance in the BIG 12, marking a significant step as they transition from the American Athletic Conference (AAC). Building off their successes from AAC play, now faced with competing in a conference known for its offensive might, the Knights face the task of making themselves known in BIG 12.

UCF quarterback John Rhys Plumlee returns for his senior year following an outstanding 2022 campaign. With 2,586 passing yards and a 14:8 touchdown-to-interception ratio, as well as 862 rushing yards amassed in 2022, Plumlee made a significant impactful contribution to UCF’s offense. RJ Harvey who amassed 796 yards with an impressive average yardage per carry is expected to play an integral part in their running game as they look ahead.

UCF’s receiving corps is led by Javon Baker, who amassed 796 receiving yards and five touchdowns in the 2022 season. Further depth comes in the form of Kobe Hudson (641 receiving yards) and Alec Holler (276 receiving yards), giving their passing game strength.

NCAAF Odds: UCF Knights -36.5 — Over/Under: 59

Though UCF’s defense had some challenges last season, key players like Jason Johnson – last season’s tackling leader – and Tre’Mon Morris-Brash (sack leader ), are back. Walter Yates III also adds depth and experience.

Kent State and UCF both enter this season’s first game with different strategies, strengths, and aspirations in mind. Kent State will face many unknowns during its rebuilding stage while UCF faces new obstacles after joining the BIG 12 Conference. Plumlee’s dynamic offense could pose difficulties to UCF’s defensive unit which is looking for improvement from last season’s rankings.

Trends

Kent State Golden Flashes

Kent State are 2-6 ATS in their last 8 games.
The total has gone UNDER in 4 of Kent State’s last 5 games.
Kent State is 4-11 SU in their last 15 games on the road.
Kent State are 1-7 SU in their last 8 games against an opponent in the American Athletic Conference.
The total has gone UNDER in 6 of Kent State’s last 6 games played in August.
Kent State are 5-10 ATS in their last 15 games played in week 1.

UCF Knights

Central Florida is 1-4 ATS in their last 5 games.
The total has gone OVER in 4 of Central Florida’s last 6 games.
Central Florida is 12-5 SU in their last 17 games.
Central Florida are 12-2 SU in their last 14 games at home.
UCF are 5-0 ATS in their last 5 games against an opponent in the Mid-American conference.
Central Florida has won 6 out of their last 7 games played in August.

Kent State Golden Flashes vs UCF Knights Betting Pick

Kent State Golden Flashes and UCF Knights are gearing up for an exhilarating battle that captures the essence of college football’s excitement and intensity. As these teams take to the field, fans should expect an action-packed contest that captures its essence: determination, strategy, and competition. Each snap these teams take will aim for an early season victory which could set the course for their respective 2023 college football seasons. The online college football betting picks are leaning towards the UFC Knights to win this game against the Golden Flashes.

Score Prediction: Knights 42, Golden Flashes 21.