Kent State Golden Flashes vs. Tennessee Volunteers 9/14/24 – While looking ahead into the NCAA football Week 3 free picks, the clock continues to click to an entirely different countdown at the Neyland Stadium. The chaotic Kent State Golden Flashes cells have not yet scored even one goal at the beginning of the season, and are pleased that they will take on the indomitable Tennessee Volunteers, who have had no problems making their way through their first two games. The atmosphere expected on this Saturday night under the floodlights is perfect as both teams have great stakes for the result.
Kent State Golden Flashes vs. Tennessee Volunteers 9/14/24
| When: | Saturday, September 14, 2024, at 7:45 PM ET |
|---|---|
| Where: | Neyland Stadium |
| TV: | SECN |
| Stream: | SofaScore |
| Team | SP/RL | TOTAL | ML | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Golden Flashes | +47 (-110) | 62 over (-110) | +2000 |  |
| Volunteers | -47 (-110) | 62 under (-110) | -20000 | |
| ||||
https://twitter.com/KentStFootball/status/1833180415583986039
The betting odds for this game are quite telling, with Tennessee heavily favored. The Volunteers’ -47 point spread is one of the largest of the season, indicating expectations of a lopsided contest. Bettors might find value in the total points market, given both teams’ tendencies towards high-scoring games.
Devin Kargman QB vs. Nico Iamaleava QB
Kent State’s Devin Kargman has had his ups and downs in the team’s performance during the period, as he stands with a little above fifty percent in completion percentage and more interceptions than he would rather not have at this stage. If the Golden Flashes have any aspirations of cutting through the trenches of the Volunteers’ defense, they’ll need to have Kargman’s ability to maneuver in the pocket under pressure, six sacks, and despite a shaky pocket.
On the other hand, this is the starting point for Tennessee’s Nico Iamaleava, who is considered a high-quality collegiate quarterback. Iamaleava’s completion percentage is 74.5%, and his passer rating of 185.5 is spectacular; this makes him intimidating on the field. Such performance, which includes throwing the ball long and creating chances to score, will be expected to be primary in this tussle.
Golden Flashes’ Ground and Air Attack
Kent State’s offensive efforts hinge significantly on quarterback Devin Kargman and running back Ky Thomas. Thomas, managing a modest 2.7 yards per carry, and wide receiver Luke Floriea, who’s shown flashes of brilliance with 196 receiving yards, are critical to injecting some much-needed vitality into their plays. The Golden Flashes need to find creative ways to bypass Tennessee’s stout defense to make any headway.
Volunteers’ Offensive Prowess
Tennessee’s offensive lineup is nothing short of explosive this season. Running back Dylan Sampson averages a staggering 8 yards per carry, amassing five touchdowns already. Combined with Iamaleava’s precision in passing and Dont’e Thornton Jr.’s effectiveness on the receiving end, the Volunteers are poised to dominate both in the air and on the ground. Their ability to convert plays into points will be a key watch point.
Trends
Kent State Betting Trends
Kent State is 1-9-1 ATS in their last 11 games.
The total has gone OVER in 10 of Kent State’s last 15 games.
Kent State is 0-10 SU in their last 10 games.
Kent State is 0-8 SU in their last 8 games on the road.
Golden Flashes are 0-11 SU in their last 11 games against an opponent in the Southeastern Conference.
Tennessee Betting Trends
Tennessee is 8-4 ATS in their last 12 games.
The total has gone OVER in 6 of Tennessee’s last 9 games.
Tennessee is 4-1 SU in their last 5 games.
Tennessee is 16-1 SU in their last 17 games at home.
Volunteers are 10-0 SU in their last 10 games against an opponent in the Mid-American Conference.
Kent State vs. Tennessee Betting Prediction
Considering the available data and the trends established so far, our tip will be in favor of Tennessee to cover the spread. Although the margins appear to be large, Tennessee’s strength in offense and defense should prove to be too much for Kent State, resulting in a likely mismatch. The total could be under, as Kent State’s offense is expected to struggle.
Moving to the premier sportsbook online, it is quite safe to suggest that the best bets are on Tennessee. On the lines of prop bets, target prop lines that involve summations of various Tennessee players’ performance in odds that will not be competitive based on the overall mismatch.
Score Prediction: Tennessee 59, Kent State 10.
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 10, 2024
Last updated: March 31, 2025