Massachusetts Minutemen (UMass) vs. Kent State Golden Flashes Picks and Prediction for Saturday, October 11, 2025
Use Code SSWC Get ready for some Week 7 MACtion as the UMass Minutemen face off against the Kent State Golden Flashes in our Minutemen vs. Golden Flashes prediction.
Set to unfold at Dix Stadium on October 11th at 2:30 PM ET, this game, airing on ESPNU, UMass is 0-5 (0-1 MAC) is looking for their first win, while Kent State is 1-4 (0-1) and needs a conference victory. With these teams on substantial losing streaks, let's dive into the stats, injuries, and key insights to preview what's in store. Rivalries, tempo, trenches — NCAAF picks for Massachusetts Minutemen vs. Kent State Golden Flashes.
Minutemen Need to Play a Strong 60 Minutes
The UMass Minutemen are looking to record their first win of the season as they are coming off a 21-3 home loss against the Western Michigan Broncos on Saturday. That was their first-ever game in the MAC after entering the conference in the off-season. They are currently 135th in the NCAA with only 10.4 points per game scored. UMass' offense is being led by quarterback AJ Hairston, who has been splitting time with Brandon Rose under center, but ended last week’s game on the field. He has been able to complete just 29-of-61 (47.5%) passes for 290 yards with one passing touchdown and two interceptions.
Wide receiver Jacquon Gibson has been far and away their best offensive player as he posted 36 receptions for 358 yards (9.9 yards per catch), but hasn’t scored. Their total offense stands at 232.4 yards per game (last in NCAA), with the rushing attack able to get only 61.0 yards (135th). The passing game has been unable to get much going either with an average of 171.4 yards per game (122nd).
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Defensively, the Minutemen are giving up 35.8 points per game right now, which is 131st in the country. The team has been awful as they are allowing 440.4 total yards per game (126th), with their inability to force incompletions as an unfortunate reality with a 67.9 completion percentage (119th). If UMass can force mistakes, they have a shot at getting their first win of 2025.
Injury Report for UMass
- Running back Rocko Griffin: Undisclosed (Questionable)
- Safety DD Snyder: Undisclosed (Questionable)
- Cornerback TJ Magee: Undisclosed (Questionable)
- Defensive lineman Joshua Nobles: Undisclosed (OUT)
- Offensive guard Zachary Franks: Undisclosed (OUT)
Golden Flashes Looking to Wake Up
The Kent State Golden Flashes are looking to snap their four-game losing streak after coming off a 44-0 road rout against the Oklahoma Sooners on Saturday. Their offense has been unable to get much of anything going as they are scoring only 14.6 points per game this year, placing them 133rd in the NCAA. Quarterback Dru Deshields is dealing with an undisclosed injury, but has completed 44-of-75 passes for 754 yards with five touchdown passes to one interception. As a team, they are struggling a bit to move the ball as they are ranked 134th nationally in total yards, averaging 259.4 per game. The Golden Flashes’ passing offense, which averages 186.8 yards per game, places them at 105th in the sport. The rushing game, contributing 72.6 yards per game (134th nationally), has made moving the football extremely difficult.
The Kent State defense is currently 135th in the sport with 44.0 points allowed per game. They are also allowing way too much offense against them as they are also 135th with 504.4 total yards per game. Their pass defense has been unable to limit big passing plays as the Golden Flashes are 80th in FBS as they are, giving up a 63.1 completion percentage. The team is not playing well, but could be in a position to get back in the win column.
Injury Report for Kent State
- Quarterback Dru Deshields: Undisclosed (Questionable)
- Offensive guard Boston Crowell: Undisclosed (Questionable)
- Offensive guard Dustyn Morell: Undisclosed (Questionable)
- Defensive lineman Garrett Dial: Undisclosed (Questionable)
Massachusetts Minutemen vs. Kent State Golden Flashes Pick
Spread Pick for UMass vs. Kent State
- Kent State Golden Flashes -2.5 (5 units)
These teams are both struggling, but getting the Golden Flashes laying less than a field goal is significant for us. After playing Oklahoma last week, Kent State is going to be in a great position to improve against one of the weakest teams in the country. UMass’ passing game specifically leaves a lot of doubt and reports look like Dru Deshields should be able to play in this game. All in all, go with the Kent State Golden Flashes to cover the spread at home.
Over/Under Pick for UMass vs. Kent State
- Under 50.5 (4 units)
These offenses have been abysmal and have scored three points last week combined. These offenses are going up against weak defenses, but the Minutemen have scored six total touchdowns through five games. Neither team converts on third down as UMass has converted on 28.36% of third downs while Kent State has converted on 26.67% of their attempts. Take under 50.5 total points as the better bet here.
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