Kent State vs Bowling Green Odds, Picks, Predictions (11/9/22)

Kent State is visiting Bowling Green in more MACtion after losing to Ball State last week in more, while Bowling Green is coming off a win against Western Michigan. This is just another game in the MAC that will help decide the pecking order of this whole conference. Let’s take a look at the odds and make some picks and predictions for this game!

Kent State vs. Bowling Green Odds

Kent State is a 2.5-point road favorite against Bowling Green and is at -135 on the money line. The over/under is also at 55. Kent State being favored here doesn’t make a ton of sense at first look. However, Kent State averages more yards and points on offense, which is why they are favored, but they haven’t been as good on defense as the Falcons. The over/under being set at 55 makes sense because both teams average in the mid-20s on offense. These teams are very evenly matched so this spread could jump around a bit too.

Kent State vs. Bowling Green Prediction & Pick

The Pick: Kent State -2.5

Kent State has a worse record than Bowling Green, but in this spot it just seems like Kent State is the better pick situationally. The key will be how the Golden Flashes offense looks. They are pretty balanced on offense and average 28 points and 431 total yards a game. One of the biggest reason they have a bad record is because to start the year they had a string of games against Washington, Oklahoma, and Georgia, which is going to be difficult for any team. They feature a running back who also already has over 1,000 rushing yards in Marquez Cooper. The defense for the Golden Flashes needs to be better if they are going to win this game with it allowing 32 points and 454 total yards a game.

Bowling Green’s strength is its defense. The Falcons give up 32 points and 419 total yards a game, as compared to their offense which scores 24 points and gains 334 total yards a game. The difference could come down the running game for the Falcons which has been less than stellar this year, but Kent State doesn’t defend the run well. Bowling Green being at home is a big factor here, but take Kent State to cover here because their offense is just more reliable overall. Also, you should expect a shootout here too because these team are so evenly matched on both offense and defense.

Kent State vs. Bowling Green Key Matchups

Can Bowling Green contain Marquez Cooper? Can Kent State slow down Matt McDonald?

Marquez Cooper vs the Bowling Green Front Seven

Marquez Cooper has been a great running back for the Golden Flashes. He has 216 carries, 1,013 rushing yards, and nine rushing touchdowns on the year. His best game was against Ohio where he had 240 rushing yards and two rushing touchdowns on 40 carries. He’s been the linchpin for a very good offense, especially by already having over 1,000 rushing yards. Bowling Green gives up 157 rushing yards a game, so Cooper could have a very good game here. If Bowling Green can slow him down, then their chances of winning go up a lot. He’s definitely the key for them.

Matt McDonald vs the Kent State Secondary

Matt McDonald is the key to getting Bowling Green’s offense going at quarterback. He has 1,781 passing yards, 16 passing touchdowns, three interceptions, and a 60% completion percentage on the year. The most passing yards he’s thrown for this year was 283 against an FCS opponent, and he also threw his most touchdowns in that game at five. He could have a big game here because Kent State has not been good against the pass and allows 284 passing yards a game. If McDonald can get going at all, then Kent State will be in for a long day.