Kent State vs Sacramento State Picks and Predictions for Friday, October 30, 2026
Kent State finally got back into the win column Saturday, while Sacramento State is still looking for its first conference victory. The Golden Flashes visit the Hornets at Hornet Stadium on Friday, with kickoff at 10:30 pm ET on ESPN2. Kent State is 3-5 overall and seventh in the MAC at 2-2 after beating Akron 35-20. Sacramento State sits last in the conference at 0-5 and is 1-7 overall following Saturday's 34-17 loss to Ball State. The Golden Flashes are favored by 10 points, with the total set at 46.5. Build your bankroll with our free NCAAF picks.
Kent State Golden Flashes Finally Got Another Win
Kent State had been having a rough October before Akron came to town Saturday. The Golden Flashes scored only 10 points in a loss to Ohio, followed that with seven against Western Michigan and managed just two at South Florida. The offense finally woke up against Akron, putting 35 points on the board in a 35-20 victory. Kent State also beat Ball State 26-13 in September, giving the Golden Flashes two conference wins. The running game has been a problem, though. Kent State has gained only 718 rushing yards on 245 attempts, averaging 2.9 yards per carry.
Dru DeShields has thrown for 1,145 yards, completing 106 of 185 passes with four touchdowns and six interceptions. He's also rushed for 189 yards and three scores. Mason King leads the ground attack with 202 yards, while Brandon White has added 191. Wayne Harris has been Kent State's most productive receiver, catching 31 passes for 396 yards. Da'Realyst Clark has 273 receiving yards, and Ardell Banks has 206 on nine catches. Defensively, Hayden Dawahare leads with 35 tackles, while Rocco Nicholl has collected three sacks.
Injuries: M. Stephens, D. Armentrout, E. Tucker and W. Bierfeldt are out.
Sacramento State Hornets Have Lost Five Straight
The Hornets haven't had much go right lately. Sacramento State lost 31-10 to North Dakota State in September, then fell 35-6 against Massachusetts. October hasn't brought any relief. Bowling Green beat the Hornets 38-10, Ohio handed them a 48-7 defeat, and Ball State won 34-17 on Saturday. Sacramento State has scored just 50 points during those five losses while giving up 186. The Hornets have also struggled to move the ball on the ground, gaining 753 rushing yards through eight games. That's only 3.5 yards per attempt.
Jackson Sharman has completed 106 of 191 passes for 1,070 yards, six touchdowns and six interceptions. Carson Conklin has added 222 passing yards but hasn't thrown a touchdown. Isaiah Ene leads Sacramento State with 246 rushing yards, while Daniel Swinney has contributed 210. Matt Coleman has been the Hornets' top receiving threat, collecting 36 catches for 473 yards and four touchdowns. Onterrio Smith Jr. has 314 receiving yards. Boogsie Silvera leads the defense with 50 tackles, while Fata Puloka has recorded 1.5 sacks.
Injuries: K. Peevy, C. Borders, A. Bryant, E. Huddle and B. Collins are out. J. Williams is questionable.
Key To The Game
Sacramento State has struggled to stop opponents, allowing 186 points during its five-game losing streak. Kent State needs better quarterback play from DeShields, particularly avoiding interceptions. The Hornets also need Sharman to make fewer mistakes.
Kent State vs Sacramento State Game Pick
- Kent State -10
Kent State hasn't been particularly impressive this season, but Saturday's victory over Akron was encouraging. The Golden Flashes scored 35 points after struggling offensively in their previous three games. Sacramento State has lost five straight, with four defeats coming by at least 21 points. Sharman has also thrown six interceptions, creating opportunities for Kent State's defense. The Golden Flashes have the better recent result and cover the 10-point spread Friday night.
Kent State vs Sacramento State Over/Under Pick
- Under 46.5
Kent State scored only 19 points across three games before Saturday's victory over Akron. Sacramento State has struggled even more, managing just 10 points per game during its five-game losing streak. Neither offense has produced much through the air, and both teams have struggled to establish a dependable running game. The Golden Flashes have a favorable matchup, but a low-scoring contest fits these teams. The under 46.5 is the pick Friday.