Kent State Golden Flashes vs. Penn State Nittany Lions 9/21/24 – As we head into Week 4 of NCAAF, we can see that the Penn State Nittany Lions (2-0) remain undefeated and will face the struggling Kent State Golden Flashes (0-3) in what promises to be a fundamental confrontation. This meeting is planned for September 21, 2024, at the famous Beaver Stadium, remembered for its high-energy ambiance. Here’s a game that shows the two sides in entirely different situations, making it one of the most popular games that correspond with some of the top-tier betting sites.
Kent State Golden Flashes vs. Penn State Nittany Lions 9/21/24
| When: | Saturday, September 21, 2024 at 3:30 PM ET |
|---|---|
| Where: | Beaver Stadium |
| TV: | BTN |
| Stream: | SofaScore |
| Team | SP/RL | TOTAL | ML | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Golden Flashes | +48.5 (-110) | 54 over (-110) | +5000 |  |
| Nittany Lions | -48.5 (-110) | 54 under (-110) | 100000 | |
| ||||
Week 4 Incoming ➡️
🆚 Penn State
🏟️ Beaver Stadium
📅 Saturday, September 21st
⏰ 3:30PM
📺 Big 10 Network #KentGRIT⚡️ | #ALLIN pic.twitter.com/Q0cTxvsHlB— Kent State Football (@KentStFootball) September 16, 2024
The current betting odds highlight the vast disparity between the teams, with Penn State heavily favored. The -48.5 spread is a testament to the Lions’ dominance and the Flashes’ struggles, suggesting a potentially lopsided affair. This makes the game particularly intriguing for bettors considering margin and total points strategies.
Devin Kargman QB vs. Drew Allar QB
Kent State’s Devin Kargman has been going through a rough season with 432 passing yards and a meager 55.6 percent completion. These figures show a rather pitiful offense, further worsened by Kargman being quite poor when pressing, having been sacked six times. When it comes to Kent State pulling an upset, his capacity to beat Penn State’s pressure-mounting defense will be very important.
Drew Allar of Penn State has also been brilliant. Allar earned a passer rating of 199.4, along with an 11.4 yards per attempt average, thus breezing through defenders. With a good completion percentage (64.9%) and deep-ball accuracy, he can take advantage of the weaknesses in the Golden Flashes’ defense, further tipping the balance toward Penn State.
The quarterback battle will be of great importance. Kargman, against all expectations, requires a coming-out party versus a top defense. Allar is the more likely performer, but he must deal with the burden of keeping his performance at the highest level. Their battle will not only determine the tempo for the game but could also determine its final result, thus a crucial plot point for the fans and betters alike.
Running Wild: The Ground Game of Kent State
Kent State’s ground attack has been tepid, led by Ky Thomas with only 89 rushing yards at 2.5 yards per carry. The lack of a potent running game has placed additional pressure on Kargman and the passing unit. The effectiveness, or lack thereof, of Thomas against Penn State’s defensive front will heavily influence Kent’s ability to manage the clock and keep the Lions’ potent offense off the field.
Lion’s Share: Penn State’s Offensive Arsenal
Penn State’s ground and aerial threat is spearheaded by Nicholas Singleton, whose explosive 9.0 yards per carry paints a picture of a dynamic and punishing running game. Combined with Allar’s precision passing, the Nittany Lions possess a balanced and formidable offense that can strike from any angle. This multi-faceted attack will be crucial as they look to exploit Kent State’s vulnerabilities on both fronts.
Trends
Kent State Golden Flashes Betting Trends
Kent State is 1-5 ATS in their last 6 games.
The total has gone OVER in 5 of Kent State’s last 7 games.
Kent State is 0-10 SU in their last 10 games.
Kent State is 0-5 SU in their last 5 games against Penn State.
Golden Flashes are 0-9 SU in their last 9 games on the road.
Penn State Nittany Lions Betting Trends
Penn State is 14-5-1 ATS in their last 20 games.
The total has gone UNDER in 4 of Penn State’s last 6 games.
Penn State is 17-3 SU in their last 20 games.
Penn State is 9-1 SU in their last 10 games at home.
Nittany Lions are 5-0 SU in their last 5 games when playing at home against Kent State.
Kent State Golden Flashes vs. Penn State Nittany Lions Betting Prediction
Based on the in-depth investigation essay and the different paths of both teams, Penn State stands out as the preferred team. The spread is huge, but the departures of the Lions potentially being a better-performing side than the paper suggests should be taken with a pinch of salt. And if these wagers are for prop bets, it may be helpful to bet on Penn State to cover and, more than likely, a high-strung shootout.
Nevertheless, this matchup might answer the question of finding free NCAAF betting picks, as it provides a perfect storm for the Nittany Lions to use their home court and offensive prowess. Most betters would be better off betting on the total over, with expectations that Penn State will carry most of the scoring load.
Score Prediction: Penn State 58, Kent State 7.
Hilbert Mayer
Sports Writer
Hilbert Mayer is a professional sports writer, betting analyst, and content strategist with over 15 years of experience in the sports industry. Before focusing on sports betting analysis and handicapping, Hilbert worked as a sports writer for various news outlets, covering everything from game recaps to in-depth matchup features. Today, he specializes in MLB, NFL, March Madness, and UFC betting, combining his journalistic background with deep statistical expertise and real-world betting insights. His proven track record, sharp reads, and ability to break down complex matchups make him a trusted voice among both casual bettors and seasoned sharps.
Published on: September 17, 2024
Last updated: March 31, 2025