Eastern Michigan vs. Kent State prediction: Back this hot underdog

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Last week, we faded Eastern Michigan as a big road favorite in a game that host Akron nearly won outright. This time, we’re flipping the script and backing the Eagles in a big underdog spot that doesn’t make a whole lot of sense.

Sure, Eastern Michigan hasn’t proven it can blow out a competent opponent this year, but it hasn’t been on the other side of that much, either. Since Oct. 1, the Eagles have won four of six games and lost by more than a touchdown just once in that span. A key reason is their high-flying offense, which is averaging 25.5 points in that span behind a balanced attack.

Eastern Michigan quarterback Taylor PowellGetty Images

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Conversely, Kent State is coming off a 34-point win over Bowling Green last week, but that simply isn’t the norm for this group. Before that win, the Golden Flashes had lost three of their previous four games, all in-conference, and boasted just one win all year by more than a touchdown.

It doesn’t help that leading receiver Dante Cephas (lower body) is questionable to suit up in this one, which would hamper a Kent State attack that already skews heavily toward its ground game. That’s not a bad thing against this Eastern Michigan defense, but it also limits the Golden Flashes’ upside for a blowout win.

Betting on College Football?

The last three matchups between these two teams were all decided by one score. With both teams entering this one with an identical 3-3 conference record and a propensity for close games, I’ll gladly take the points here and expect another narrow result.