Texas A&M starts its campaign for a spot in the next College Football Playoff with a less than challenging opponent, as the Kent State Golden Flashes come to town. The visitors did post a 3-1 slate last year, and Sean Lewis returns for his fourth season as head coach. The Aggies put up a 9-1 record last year, with their only loss coming against Alabama.
Are you thinking about including this game in your college football betting for the weekend? Then don’t miss our preview.
NCAAF Preview: Kent State at #6 Texas A&M
When: Saturday, September 4, 2021, 8:00 pm ET
Where: Kyle Field, College Station, TX
TV: ESPNU
Radio: Kent State IMG Radio Network / Texas A&M Aggie Sports Network
Live Stream: WatchESPN
NCAA Odds: Texas A&M -28.5 / O/U 68
Why should you bet on the Golden Flashes?
Did you know that Kent State was #1 in the nation in total offense last year? They averaged 606 yards and 50 points per game last season. Quarterback Dustin Crum completed 74 percent of his passes and is also a danger with his legs — and he will attract attention from NFL scouts as the season goes by. The O-line has all of its starters back, and it was an all-MAC unit last season. The Golden Flashes also have more super seniors coming back than just about any team in the nation.
It is important to bear in mind that Kent State put up those 2020 numbers over just four games, and all of those games took place against MAC competition. Obviously, there is a significant difference in terms of size, speed and strength playing an SEC team. If you like Kent State, you’re looking at that gargantuan point spread and wondering if the Aggies can really keep Kent State off the board enough to win by more than four touchdowns.
Why should you put your money on the Aggies?
Yes, Kent State could put up a few touchdowns in this game. However, their defense is just as generous as their offense is productive. The Golden Flashes have a decent pass rush, but the team does not have the size in the first two levels to deal with a solid running game. The Aggies have the size and speed at tailback to keep gashing Kent State’s defense all day long. As Haynes King makes his starting debut at quarterback, expect the offense to go run-heavy, grind out clock and exhaust the Kent State defense.
Tailback Isaiah Spiller led the Aggies with over 1,000 rushing yards and nine touchdowns last season, and he could hit 200 yards in this opener. Once Kent State is worn down a bit, expect King to look for Jalen Wydermyer and Ainias Smith, a pair of wideouts who combined for over 1,000 receiving yards and a dozen scores. On the defensive side, Leon O’Neal Jr leads a secondary that will have its hands full before settling in. It will be interesting to see how King settles in, as his leadership of the offense, as he replaces Kellen Mond, will be the determining factor in Texas A&M’s ability to chase a national title while playing in the same division as Alabama.
Final Score and Betting Prediction
Kent State’s offense is fun to watch, but Texas A&M comes into 2021 with a major chip on its shoulder. If the Aggies needed to rely on King to get them to a four-touchdown lead with the passing game alone, I’d worry about the spread. As it is, I see the Aggies coming in with full commitment on both ends. The Golden Flashes might get a couple of touchdowns in garbage time, but the game should be well in hand by then. I predict a final score of Texas A&M 55, Kent State 16.
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