Ohio vs. Kent State prediction, odds and key players to watch in Week 11 of college football

Ohio has responded to a ton of turnovers this season by putting together a likely bowl-worthy 2024 and will begin MACtion play in November with a road win against winless Kent State.

The Bobcats have more than two touchdowns against the worst team in the league. Can the group manage the business? Kent State hasn't been particularly competitive this season, but can it prevail at home with more rest?

Here's our betting preview for this midweek showdown.

Spread

Money line

In total: 51.5 (above -114/below -106)

Odds courtesy of FanDuel Sportsbook

Ohio

Parker Navarro: Navarro responded to a poor performance against Miami (Ohio) with an outstanding performance against Buffalo, a 47-16 win for the Bobcats. The quarterback completed 14 of 18 passes for 231 yards and added another 81 yards on the ground in the win.

Kent State

Tommy Ulatowski: Ulatowski is the third quarterback to see time at center this season for the Golden Flashes, who are considered the worst team in college football this season. The junior has completed just 42% of his passes this season, but showed explosive play and threw 11 touchdowns this season.

Based on the metrics (and perhaps the eye test), Kent State is the worst team in the country, and the betting market can't seem to find a bottom.

The Golden Flashes have lost one game by single digits to FBS competition this season, with an average margin of defeat of 18.3 in MAC play (including a two-point home loss to Ball State).

Ohio has shown the ability to make big gains on the ground, averaging more than five yards per carry and ranking 25th in explosive rush rate. The passing game was hit-or-miss, but Navarro was more than capable as a rusher, turning the offense into a nationally average attack (69th in success rate).

Kent State's offense is poor by any measure, but the team has been able to score for extended periods of time, scoring 21 or more in three of four MAC games. Ohio's defense ranks outside the top 100 in turnovers and is below the national average in EPA/Play. Therefore, I am confident that the Golden Flashes can score enough points to move above the standings in what is likely to be a significant loss.

SELECTION: OVER 52.5

The game odds are updated regularly and are subject to change.

Follow Reed on Twitter @ReedWallach for all of his college football betting betstamp @rw33

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