The Kent State Flashes (0-2) look to make an impact against the seventh-ranked Tennessee Volunteers (2-0) on Saturday, September 14 at 7:45 pm E.T. at Neyland Stadium in Knoxville, Tennessee. The Volunteers are heavily favored for this college football betting opportunity with a point spread at -49.0 (-110).
The Flashes have yet to win in their first two games, most recently a 23-17 defeat against the St. Francis (P.A.) Red Flash. They were down 20-14 at the half, but the game was tight in the second.
Devin Kargman threw 38 passes, with 22 of them completed for 193 yards. While he did land a touchdown, he threw an interception. Their run game was stagnant, with Ky Thomas as their leading rusher with 11 carries for 39 yards.
The Flashes had 280 yards and 16 first downs but had a turnover. Their defense allowed 402 yards and 16 first downs and caused a turnover. Against the Vols, they will allow more than this.
If their defense is suffering against weak teams, it will suffer against a premium team like the Vols. The question is, when will the Vols let up? This could affect the spread.
So far, the Flashes are averaging 20.5 points a game and giving up 39.0 to opposing teams. These are not the averages they want heading into their toughest matchup of the year.
The Volunteers had a commanding victory over the N.C. State Wolfpack, which was a 52-10 blowout. The offense went 20-3 at the half before exploding in the second half.
Nico Iamaleava totaled three touchdowns, 276 yards, and completed 16 of his 23 passes. The only downside is that he threw two interceptions against a weaker Wolfpack team (previously ranked 24th in the nation).
The Vols gained 460 yards and 22 first downs. Defensively, they held the Wolfpack to 143 yards and 10 first downs and forced three turnovers. While they played great in the first half, they have the potential to pick apart teams like they did in the second.
They are averaging 60.0 points a game and are allowing 6.5 from opponents. At this rate, they should have no problem covering the spread.
MyBookie has the college football betting odds in the Kent State Flashes vs. Tennessee Volunteers matchup. The Vols are 49-point favorites in this showdown, with market insights suggesting they have a 99.0 percent chance to win outright.
The Vols seemingly had no issues in their first two games, and they will have none here, either. They have had staggering wins and should be able to cover the spread in this matchup, likely by the third quarter. If Iamaleava can make plays without turnovers, their chances at covering the spread should be better.
