Free College Football Picks Today: Miami (OH) RedHawks vs Kent State Golden Flashes 10/8/22

The Kent State University Golden Flashes (2-3, 1-0 MAC) and their outstanding rushing offense head to take on the Miami University RedHawks (2-3, 0-1 MAC) and their exceptional ground defense at Fred C. Yager Stadium on Saturday. The Golden Flashes are 5.5-point favorites, and the total is 57.5. Kent State is coming off a 31-24 win over Ohio at Dix Stadium last Saturday. Collin Schlee was 24 of 37 for 398 yards and a touchdown. Marquez Cooper ran 40 times for 240 yards and two touchdowns. Dante Cephas caught 13 passes for 246 yards and a touchdown. Miami (OH) lost 24-20 to Buffalo at UB Stadium last Saturday. Aveon Smith threw for 119 yards and an interception. He added 142 yards and two touchdowns on the ground. Mac Hippenhammer had four receptions for 90 yards.

HEAD-TO-HEAD

The Golden Flashes won the only meeting between the teams last season, a 48-47 overtime victory in November. Dustin Crum threw two touchdowns for Kent State, as Xavier Williams added two TDs. Brett Gabbert tossed four touchdowns for Miami (OH).

TALE OF THE TAPE

The Golden Flashes are averaging 27.8 points per game for the season, 83rd in FBS, and they are facing a RedHawks defense that has surrendered 25.4 PPG (68th). Meanwhile, Miami (OH) has scored 19.6 points a game this season, 115th in the nation, and Kent State is allowing 30.2 PPG (97th). The Golden Flashes rank as one of the nation’s top teams in rushing yards per game (219.0, 16th), while they are 85th in passing yards (222.6). They will be matching strength against strength on the ground, as the RedHawks are ninth in the country in rushing yards allowed per game (84.8). Against the pass, Miami (OH) is 99th (253.6).Miami (OH) has been one of the nation’s least productive passing teams, averaging 133.6 passing yards per game (123rd), while ranking 55th in rushing yards (170.0). Kent State’s defense has been most beatable through the air, as the Golden Flashes are 125th in the country in passing yards allowed per game (295.6). Against the run, the Golden Flashes are 82nd (152.6).

TOP PERFORMERS

Through five games, Collin Schlee has thrown for five touchdowns (3 INT) and 216.0 yards per game to lead Kent State in passing. In three away games this season, he has two TDs (3 INT) and an average of 161.0 yards passing. Marquez Cooper leads the team in rushing with an average of 102.0 yards a game over five games. He has six touchdowns on the ground. Dante Cephas is the Golden Flashes’ leading receiver with 100.2 yards a game and two TDs. Aveon Smith has six passing touchdowns (3 INT) with 93.0 yards per game through five games to lead Miami (OH). In two home games this season, he has thrown for five TDs (2 INT) and an average of 135.5 yards. Keyon Mozee has been the home team’s leading performer on the ground, averaging 61.6 yards a game through five games. He has one touchdown. Mac Hippenhammer has been a key target in the RedHawks’ passing game. He has four touchdowns and a 61.8 yard per game average through five appearances.