Fresh off a dominating performance against in-state rival Iowa State, the Iowa Hawkeyes welcome MAC member Kent State to Iowa City. These schools have been twice ever, with the aggregate score of 90-7 in favor of Iowa. However, the Golden Flashes arrive with a legitimate offense led by QB Dustin Crum and fresh off a Week 2 60-burger versus VMI. This contest will pit strength against strength, Iowa’s stout defense, and Kent State’s high-powered offense.
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Details
Overview
Kent State, coached by 34-year-old Sean Lewis, is 1-1 on the year, including a 41-10 loss at Texas A&M in their opener. Known for their offensive efficiency, their timely defense has been the story in the early going. The Golden Flashes have recorded eight interceptions already on the young season, part of the reason they hung around in the first half against the Aggies. Last season, Kent State was abysmal against the pass, 109th in the FBS in expected points added against the pass, according to PFF, so 2021’s results have been surprising.
Iowa’s defense is not to be outshined, as they have created seven turnovers and scored three touchdowns against two ranked opponents already in 2021. Opposing offenses have crossed the goal only twice, scoring 23 total points. Kurt Ferentz has his unit firing on all cylinders. The offense hasn’t been spectacular, but they secured the ball last week after losing two fumbles to Indiana in Week 1, going without a turnover. That is key to Iowa’s hopes of crashing the CFB Playoff party — don’t turn it over.
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Bottom Line
Kent State won’t see a defense of this magnitude all season. While Dustin Crum is a promising QB, the talent gap is too large to see the Golden Flashes moving the ball against Iowa. Additionally, Kent State’s defense has relied on turnovers to get off the field, but the Hawkeyes offense is disciplined. Iowa won’t take unnecessary chances because they have faith in their defense to get the ball back quickly. Considering Iowa’s unaggressive offensive nature and smothering defense, the FanDuel Sportsbook UNDER of 55.5 is in play. The 22.5 point spread is a little more challenging to gauge, but an Iowa defensive score should also help bettors get there on Saturday. Iowa will control the time of possession, score when the opportunities arise, and show their defensive prowess against a less talented group this week.
Prediction: Iowa 34, Kent State 10
Picks: Iowa -22.5 | 1.0 units, UNDER 56.5 | 1.0 units
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