Kent State Golden Flashes vs. Fresno State Bulldogs 9/23/23 – As Week 4 of NCAA Football draws near, all eyes will be focused on Kent State Golden Flashes with their 1-2 record taking on Fresno State Bulldogs, who are undefeated 3-0, and scheduled to play their game at Bulldog Stadium in Fresno on September 23rd at 10:30 PM ET – this clash promises plenty of drama and unpredictability. It presents ample opportunity for free NCAAF picks.
Kent State Golden Flashes vs. Fresno State Bulldogs
Date & Time: Saturday, September 23 at 10:30 PM ET
Location: Bulldog Stadium
TV: CBSSN
Kent State Golden Flashes vs. Fresno State Bulldogs 9/23/23 Betting Odds
| Team | Moneyline | Spread | Total |
| Kent State | +1500 | +27.5 (-107) | 49 over (-105) |
| Fresno State | -4000 | -27.5 (-113) | 49 under (-115) |
Kent State Golden Flashes Analysis
On the offensive side, Kent State’s performance has been a mixed bag this season. Quarterback Michael Alaimo has shown that he can move the ball through the air, accumulating 491 passing yards on 64 attempts. However, his completion rate of 54.7% needs improvement, especially against a defense as stout as Fresno State’s. His 3 interceptions also highlight issues with decision-making under pressure. Running back Gavin Garcia has been the team’s go-to man on the ground, accumulating 238 rushing yards on 57 attempts, for an average of 4.2 yards per carry. He’s shown the ability to break through the defensive line, but consistency will be the key against Fresno State’s formidable defense.
Defensively, Kent State has struggled, particularly when playing away from home, where they have a disheartening 2-7 SU record in their last 9 games. Their road woes indicate a lack of adaptability and composure in hostile environments. The Golden Flashes need to figure out how to contain the Bulldogs’ high-powered offense, particularly in the air where they could be most vulnerable. Tackling has been inconsistent, and the secondary has been prone to giving up big plays. To stand any chance against Fresno State, they will need to generate turnovers and give their offense a shorter field to work with.
Fresno State Bulldogs Analysis
Offensively, Fresno State is firing on all cylinders. Quarterback Mikey Keene has been exceptional, completing 65.2% of his passes for 880 yards. His poise in the pocket has led to 8 touchdowns against just 2 interceptions, illustrating his game management skills and decision-making. Running back Elijah Gilliam has also been consistent, albeit not flashy, with 249 rushing yards on 58 carries for an average of 4.3 yards per attempt. He’s a reliable option for short gains and crucial third-down conversions. Wide receiver Erik Brooks has emerged as a prime target for Keene, pulling in 28 catches for 369 yards and 3 touchdowns. His presence on the field has allowed Fresno State to stretch the defense and open up running lanes.
On the defensive end, Fresno State has shown that they are as balanced as they come. Their home record of 5-0 SU in their last 5 games speaks volumes about their capability to defend their turf. The unit has been adept at forcing punts and creating turnovers, a testament to their preparation and game-planning. While they’ve allowed 11 sacks so far, this can be viewed as a minor issue in an otherwise dominant performance. The defensive line has been effective in disrupting the opposition’s running game, forcing teams to become one-dimensional. If they continue their current level of play, they could very well make life incredibly difficult for a Kent State offense that has struggled to find its rhythm.
Kent State Golden Flashes vs. Fresno State Bulldogs Against the Spread
Kent State has had a decent run against the spread, boasting a 4-2 ATS record in their last 6 games. Moreover, they have been surprisingly effective in September matchups, going 5-0 ATS in their last 5 games played in this month. However, their week 4 history is less inspiring, as they are 1-7 SU in such games.
Fresno State, on the other hand, is a bettor’s dream right now. They’ve gone 6-1 ATS in their last 7 games and have been unbeatable both on the field and at the sportsbook with a 10-0 SU record in their last 10 games. They have also performed admirably in September, going 7-2 SU in their last 9 games during this month. With such a strong ATS and SU performance, Fresno State appears to be a very safe bet for the upcoming game.
Kent State Golden Flashes vs. Fresno State Bulldogs Free Pick
Based on our in-depth analysis, here’s our pick:
Moneyline: Fresno State -4000
While the odds are steep, their perfect record and home-field advantage make them the much safer bet.
Spread: Fresno State -27.5 (-113)
Given Fresno State’s strong performances and Kent State’s struggles, especially on the road, I’d opt for Fresno State to cover the -27.5 spread.
Total: 49 over (-105)
Given the strong offenses and decent defenses, we’d go for the OVER 49.
Predicted Score: Fresno State Bulldogs 45, Kent State Golden Flashes 17
While Kent State may have moments of brilliance, it’s hard to imagine them overcoming a Fresno State team that’s performing exceptionally well on both sides of the ball. This game offers plenty of opportunities for bettors, especially those looking for a reliable sportsbook in Canada.
