Akron Zips vs Kent State Golden Flashes Prediction, 10/24/2026 College Football Picks, Best Bets & Odds

Game: Akron Zips vs Kent State Golden Flashes

Date: Saturday, October 24, 2026

Location: Zoeller Field at Dix Stadium in Kent, OH

TV: ESPN+

Odds/Point Spread: Golden Flashes (-3.5)

Total/Over-Under: 45.5

The Kent State Golden Flashes (2-5) will try to beat the Akron Zips (1-6) at Zoeller Field at Dix Stadium on Saturday, October 24, 2026. Kent State opens this contest as 3.5-point favorites. The total has been set at 45.5.

The Akron Zips come into this game with a record of 1-6 this season. The last time they took the field, the Zips faced off with the Miami RedHawks and ended up losing by a score of 34-14. Against the run, the Zips gave up 324 yds on 35 attempts, which is 9.3 yds per run surrendered. Akron relinquished 8 completions on 16 tries for a total of 65 yards, and a completion rate of 50.0%. For the game, they tallied 70 plays which converted into 315 yds. The Akron Zips ended up rushing 32 times and amassed 81 yards, which earned them an average of 2.5 yards per tote.

The Zips have tallied 2,377 total yards for the season. When it comes to getting the ball in the endzone, Akron has amassed 11 touchdowns via the pass and 6 rushing touchdowns. They have surrendered the ball 13 times. Akron has amassed 136 1st downs, and they have been hurt by 44 penalties for 393 yards. As a unit they're holding an average of 132.7 yards rushing which ranks them 107th in college football. When talking about scoring, the Akron Zips are averaging 18.9 points per outing.

The Zips sit in 124th in college football when it comes to their opponents scoring, giving up 32.4 points per game. The opposition is running for an average of 6.0 yards per running attempt and 200.4 yards on the ground per contest on the year. During this campaign, they have conceded 1,403 rushing yards through 7 games. Concerning passing yards, the Zips have conceded 1,521 yards which puts them in 101st in the nation. They have conceded 217.3 yards per game through the air in addition to conceding a completion percentage of 58.1%. For the season, they are conceding 417.7 yards per contest which has them sitting 121st in the nation. They have yielded 14 touchdowns by air as well as 11 touchdowns on the ground.

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The Golden Flashes step onto the field holding a record of 2-5 this year. When they last played, the Golden Flashes took a defeat with a final score of 29-2 when they played the USF Bulls. Kent State rushed the ball for 1.8 yards per attempt, finishing the game with 63 yds on 35 carries. The Golden Flashes finished the contest with a total of 228 yards while running 68 plays (3.4 yards per play). The Golden Flashes pass defense allowed a completion rate of 81.5%, relinquishing 193 yds on 22 for 27 passing. Kent State conceded 32 rush attempts for 78 yds (2.4 yards per rush).

The Kent State Golden Flashes average 273.1 yards per game, which has them ranked 137th in D-1. The Kent State offense has accrued 487 yards of penalties on 65 infractions, which ranks them 1st in college football in terms of helping out the opposition. They are averaging 102.6 yards per game via the rush and have toted the ball for 718 yards in total. They have thrown 7 interceptions while allowing opponents to recover 4 fumbles and they have been able to earn 107 1st downs. When it comes to the points being put on the board, the Golden Flashes sit 138th in the nation averaging 12.0 points per outing. For the year thus far, the Golden Flashes have compiled 1,194 yards via the pass as well as holding an average of 170.6 passing yards per game, ranking them 124th in Division 1.

Kent State has surrendered a total of 990 rushing yards (141.4 yards per outing) and 14 touchdowns by way of the ground game this season. They have allowed 12 touchdowns from the passing game and 222.3 yards per game, ranking them 89th in D-1. Overall, they have allowed 224 total points. Their defense has tallied 2 fumbles recovered and 4 interceptions over the course of the season. The Golden Flashes defense has been on the field for 424 plays, which has them ranked 72nd in college football. The Golden Flashes are relinquishing 32.0 points per game, which puts them 120th in Division 1.

Who will win tonight's Zips/Golden Flashes college football game against the spread?

Tony's Pick: Take the Golden Flashes -3.5

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