Penn State-Kent State predictions: How computer data systems, college football experts, see the game
STATE COLLEGE — Penn State looks to improve to 3-0 and put on a better non-conference showing this week than it did before its bye week when it welcomes Kent State to Beaver Stadium today. Unlike two weeks ago when some thought Bowling Green could give the Lions a game before they ultimately did, no one expects the Golden Flashes to be competitive for four quarters. Head coach James Franklin’s program is now 7-4 against the spread against MAC teams since 2014. But, it is 2-0 over the last decade against the spread when it sits at 40 points or more.
As of Saturday morning, PSU is a 48.5-point favorite, and the betting over/under total sits at 55.5. Will it cover this week? And will the total go over or under? Our picks roundup takes a closer look.
Computer model picks for Penn State-Kent State
ESPN Bill Connelly’s SP+ model predicts a 50-0 win for Penn State. That would be a cover for the Nittany Lions at the current number. It’s also a pick for the under.
Sportsline sees a 67-8 win on the horizon for the Lions. That’s a second pick for a cover and the first for the over.
The Athletic’s XMOV model from Austin Mock predicts a 50-0 Lions win. That’s another PSU cover call and a pick for the under.
Finally, The Dunkel Index projects a 39-point margin of victory for Penn State and 65 total points. That would equal an over and Kent State cover.
Lions-Golden Flashes picks from a national perspective
Bill Bender of the Sporting News calls for a 52-6 Nittany Lion triumph. That means Kent State would cover. And, it’s a call for the over.
“Who made Kent State’s schedule again? The Golden Flashes lost 71-0 to Tennessee, and now they have to face a Nittany Lions’ team that is coming off a bye week after a subpar showing in Week 2 against Bowling Green,” Bender writes. “Penn State will pick their score with a rushing attack that includes Nick Singleton and Kayton Allen – who combine to average seven yards per carry. The Nittany Lions might be close to this line at halftime, and we will see if James Franklin pulls up in the fourth quarter.”
At Bleacher Report, David Kenyon envisions a 56-10 Nittany Lions win. That’s a pick for the over but another backer for Kent State against the number.
Pete Fiutak at College Football News calls for a 56-3 Nittany Lions victory. It’s a cover call for the home team and also a pick for the over.
Beat writer predictions for Penn State-Kent State
At PennLive, its coverage team unanimously calls for the Nittany Lions to win and cover, with two of their four pickers calling for a shutout.
“I wrote a couple weeks ago that Bowling Green wasn’t good enough to scare Penn State; I was wrong,” the outlet’s Johnny McGonigal writes. “But believe me when I tell you there’s no chance that this one will be close. Drew Allar might sling it around the yard just to get other receivers involved. But he won’t need to.”
Mark Wogenrich of SI picks Penn State to win a 59-0. That’s another call for the over and a Lions cover.
“How precise can Penn State play Saturday? That’s the lead question here,” Wogenrich writes. “Kent State has allowed 149 points in three games, the most in college football, and does not field a competitive defense for the Nittany Lions. Its offense has scored one first-half touchdown against FBS teams. The Nittany Lions should be in and out by halftime. Drew Allar shouldn’t throw a second-half pass. Linebackers Kobe King and Tony Rojas shouldn’t make more than 2-3 second-half tackles. That said, Penn State needs to own the blowout and perhaps even the shutout.
Frank Bodani of the York Daily Record calls for a 67-6 PSU triumph. And, Jon Sauber of the Centre Daily Times has PSU 56, Kent State 3. That’s two more predictions for PSU to cover and the over to hit.
How the BWI staff picked Lions-Golden Flashes
Nate Bauer: Penn State: 56, Kent State: 10
Sean Fitz: PSU: 62, Kent State: 6
Thomas Frank Carr: Penn State: 63, Kent State: 7
Matt Herb: PSU: 54, Kent State: 10
Greg Pickel: Penn State: 73, Kent State: 0
Ryan Snyder: PSU: 63, Kent State: 7
