Kent State vs Ohio State Prediction, Pick & Spread (Sep. 19)

• Ohio State returns home after a heartbreaking one-point loss at Texas
• Kent State vs Ohio State odds feature a spread above 50 points
• See my prediction and the matchup behind Saturday’s best bet

Ohio State returns to Columbus after letting a 20-point fourth-quarter lead slip away at Texas. The Buckeyes host Kent State at Ohio Stadium on Saturday, September 19, with kickoff at noon ET on FOX.

Both teams are 1-1, although they arrive at that record coming off very different results. Kent State beat Wofford last week, while Ohio State is trying to avoid consecutive regular-season losses for the first time since 2011.

My Kent State vs Ohio State prediction comes down to whether the Buckeyes can turn their advantage up front into enough points to cover an unusually large spread. The pick and updated betting line follow.

Kent State vs Ohio State Prediction

• Predicted score: Ohio State 63, Kent State 3.

Ohio State has the personnel to control this game through the air and on the ground. Julian Sayin has thrown a touchdown pass in 16 straight games, while Jeremiah Smith has topped 100 receiving yards in four consecutive appearances dating back to last season.

Smith’s ability to stretch the field should make it difficult for Kent State to commit extra defenders to the run. He already has five catches on throws traveling at least 20 yards downfield this season. That creates space for Bo Jackson underneath and between the tackles.

The run-defense matchup is the strongest reason to back the Buckeyes. Kent State has allowed 223.5 rushing yards per game since 2024, the worst figure among teams that have remained in the FBS throughout that span. Ohio State can keep producing after its passing game does the early damage.

Kent State quarterback Dru DeShields deserves more credit than the spread might suggest. He combined at least 200 passing yards with 50 rushing yards and three total touchdowns against Wofford. He is also 5-for-5 for 187 yards on throws of 20-plus air yards this season.

The problem is sustaining that production against this defense. Ohio State has held visiting teams below 20 points in 23 straight home games. I expect the Buckeyes to force longer third downs and limit the possessions on which DeShields can threaten them with both his arm and legs.

Kent State vs Ohio State Pick

• Best bet: Ohio State -52 at BetMGM.

A seven-touchdown favorite leaves little room for empty possessions. My 63-3 projection clears this number, with Ohio State’s running game providing the clearest path to a cover even if the starters leave early.

The Buckeyes are 33-0 against MAC opponents, and six of their seven wins against the conference under Ryan Day have come by at least 30 points. Those results support the mismatch, though a comfortable victory alone will not cover Saturday’s line.

The deciding factor is Kent State’s difficulty stopping the run. Ohio State should be able to finish drives without relying on low-percentage deep throws. That matters when the favorite needs touchdowns throughout the afternoon rather than settling for field goals.

A late Kent State score is the main risk to this pick. That is why I prefer the verified -52 to laying an extra half-point: a 52-point Ohio State win pushes at this number. The spread is my primary bet; the projected score also puts the game above the 59.5 total.

Kent State vs Ohio State Spread

Odds from BetMGM, subject to change. Read our BetMGM promo code guide for the current offer.

The Kent State vs Ohio State spread has the Buckeyes laying 52 points at -108. Ohio State needs to win by 53 or more to cover, while a 52-point margin returns the stake. Kent State +52 covers any loss by 51 or fewer, so even a one-sided game can leave the underdog in play late.

The total is 59.5, with the under priced at -122 and the over at even money. That line puts most of the scoring burden on Ohio State. My 63-3 prediction clears the total, but the spread remains my preferred pick because it does not depend on Kent State contributing points.