Ohio Bobcats vs Kent State Golden Flashes Prediction, 10/3/2026 College Football Picks, Best Bets & Odds

Game: Ohio Bobcats vs Kent State Golden Flashes

Date: Saturday, October 3, 2026

Location: Zoeller Field at Dix Stadium in Kent, OH

TV: ESPN+

Odds/Point Spread: Golden Flashes (+3.0)

Total/Over-Under: 50.5

The Kent State Golden Flashes (2-2) host the Ohio Bobcats (2-2) at Zoeller Field at Dix Stadium on Saturday, October 3, 2026. Ohio opens this matchup as 3-point favorites. The total comes in at 50.5.

The Ohio Bobcats step onto the field holding a record of 2-2 this year. In their last contest, the Bobcats took on the Stonehill Skyhawks and went home with a win by a final score of 35-7. The Ohio Bobcats ended up running the ball 50 different times and compiled 301 yds, earning them an average of 6.0 yards per attempt. Once the final whistle blew, they tallied 71 plays which totaled 523 yds. Ohio gave up 12 completions on 19 attempts for 125 yds, and a completion rate of 63.2%. Against the run, the Bobcats conceded -1 yards on 19 attempts, which is an average of -0.1 yds per run allowed.

When it comes to getting in the endzone, the Ohio Bobcats have an average of 30.3 PPG. As a unit they average 189.5 yards rushing which ranks them 40th in college football. The Bobcats have racked up 1,475 total yards for this campaign. In terms of notching touchdowns, Ohio has earned 7 touchdowns through the air and 7 touchdowns on the ground. Ohio has accumulated 80 first downs, and they have committed 17 infractions for 152 yards. They have surrendered the football 4 times.

In terms of passing yardage, the Bobcats have given up 878 yds which ranks them 87th in the country. They are conceding 219.5 yards per game via the pass in addition to conceding a completion percentage of 65.0%. Overall, they are conceding 388.0 yards per outing putting them at 107th in college football. They have granted 6 touchdowns through the air in addition to 10 touchdowns via the ground game. They are giving up 4.3 yards per rushing attempt and 168.5 rushing yards per game for the year. For the season, they have given up 674 yards via the running game in 4 games. The Bobcats rank 122nd in the nation in terms of the opposition scoring, conceding 31.0 PPG.

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The Golden Flashes head into this game 2-2 this season. The last time they took the field, the Golden Flashes took home the win by a final score of 26-13 against the Ball State Cardinals. Kent State rushed the ball for 3.8 yds per carry, finishing with a total of 165 yds on 43 carries. The Golden Flashes finished with a total of 354 yards while they ran 68 plays (5.2 yards per play). The Golden Flashes secondary gave up a completion percentage of 59.3%, relinquishing 164 yds on 16 for 27 through the air. Kent State conceded 27 running attempts for 46 yds (1.7 yards per rush).

The Kent State Golden Flashes hold an average of 280.0 yards per contest, which has them sitting 134th in Division 1. The Kent State offense has racked up 309 penalty yds on 40 violations, which ranks them 2nd in the country in terms of helping out the other team. They have an average of 132.8 yards per game on the ground and have toted the ball for 531 yards for the season. They have tossed 4 picks while allowing opponents to recover 3 fumbles and they have tallied 57 first downs. Regarding their ability to score points, the Golden Flashes are sitting 134th in the country with an average of 16.3 points per outing. Over the course of the season so far, the Golden Flashes currently have a total of 589 yards via the pass as well as holding an average of 147.3 passing yards per contest, giving them a rank of 130th in D-1.

The Golden Flashes are relinquishing 36.0 points per contest, ranking them 131st in D-1. Kent State has conceded a total of 527 yards rushing (131.8 yards per contest) in addition to 10 touchdowns on the ground for the season. They have allowed the opposition 8 touchdowns via the pass in addition to 257.0 yards per outing, which puts them in 123rd in the nation. The Golden Flashes defense has been on the field for 245 plays, which is good for 49th in the nation. Their defense has totaled no fumbles and 4 interceptions so far this year. This year, they have allowed 144 points in total.

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

Josh's Pick: Take the Bobcats -3.0

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