Kent State Golden Flashes vs USF Bulls Prediction, 10/17/2026 College Football Picks, Best Bets & Odds

Game: Kent State Golden Flashes vs USF Bulls

Date: Saturday, October 17, 2026

Location: Raymond James Stadium in Tampa, FL

TV: ESPN+

Odds/Point Spread: Bulls (-21.5)

Total/Over-Under: 45.5

The Kent State Golden Flashes (2-4) are en route to Raymond James Stadium on Saturday, October 17, 2026 where they will meet the USF Bulls (4-2). Kent State opens this matchup as 21.5-point underdogs. The over/under has been set at 45.5.

The Kent State Golden Flashes come into this game with a record of 2-4 for this season. In their last contest, the Golden Flashes played against the Western Michigan Broncos and ended up losing by a score of 38-7. In the game, they ran 68 plays which gave them 298 yds. The Kent State Golden Flashes ended up rushing 33 different times and had 75 yds, earning them an average of 2.3 yds per attempt. In the running game, the Golden Flashes conceded 204 yds on 38 attempts, which is an average of 5.4 yards per run allowed. Kent State relinquished 19 pass completions on 28 attempts for a total of 262 yds, and a completion rate of 67.9%.

In terms of getting in the endzone, the Kent State Golden Flashes are sitting at 13.7 PPG. Offensively they are averaging 109.2 yards rushing which is 125th in D-1. The Golden Flashes have racked up 1,684 total yards this year. When it comes to distribution of touchdowns, Kent State has compiled 4 touchdowns via the pass and 5 rushing touchdowns. Kent State has accrued 92 1st downs, and they have been flagged for 57 infractions for 449 yds. They have given the ball to the opposition 10 times.

When talking about yards via the pass, the Golden Flashes have given up 1,363 yards which has them ranked 105th in the nation. They are allowing 227.2 yards per game via the pass and allowed a completion percentage of 66.8%. During this campaign, they are allowing 379.2 yards/contest which has them sitting 95th in the nation. They have conceded 11 touchdowns by air and 13 touchdowns via the ground game. They are allowing an average of 4.4 yards per rushing attempt and 152.0 rushing yards per contest on the season. Over the course of this year, they have allowed 912 running yards through 6 games. The Golden Flashes are ranked 123rd in the nation regarding their opponents scoring, giving up 32.5 points per game.

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The Bulls come into this game with a record of 4-2 for this season. When they last stepped on the gridiron, the Bulls took a loss by a score of 31-24 when they faced the UTSA Roadrunners. USF rushed the ball for 3.6 yards per attempt, finishing with a total of 111 yards on 31 attempts. The Bulls finished the contest with a total of 288 yards and they ran 61 plays (4.7 yards per play). The Bulls passing defense gave up a completion rate of 68.8%, surrendering 209 yds on 22 for 32 through the air. USF gave up 43 running attempts for 277 yards (6.4 yds per rush).

The USF Bulls maintain an average of 334.8 yards per game, ranking them 111th in the country. The USF offense has compiled 210 yds of penalties on 30 infractions, which ranks them 112th in Division 1 in terms of helping out the other team. They have an average of 152.5 rushing yards per game and have toted the ball for 915 yards for this season. They have tossed 0 interceptions while allowing opponents to recover 4 fumbles and they have been able to tally 120 first downs. When it comes to the points being put on the board, the Bulls are 88th in D-1 averaging 26.2 points per game. Over the course of the season to this point, the Bulls currently sit at 1,094 yards through the air as well as an average of 182.3 passing yards per contest, which is ranked 115th in Division 1.

USF has surrendered a total of 946 yards via the ground game (157.7 yards per outing) and 5 touchdowns via the rush on the campaign. They have allowed 6 touchdowns through the air as well as 183.7 yards/outing, which has them sitting 35th in Division 1. This season, they have allowed 104 total points. They have earned 4 fumbles and 2 interceptions on the campaign. The Bulls defense has participated in 381 plays, which ranks 86th in Division 1. The Bulls are conceding 17.3 points per game, which has them 26th in Division 1.

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

Guy's Pick: Take the Golden Flashes +21.5

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