Saturday, September 27, 2014

Scott Stadium in Charlottesville

For Updated Odds on This Game Click Here

Kent State (0-3) had two close losses to start the season before the wheels, axle, and the whole bus fell off against an angry Ohio State team in a 66-0 loss. Oddsmakers are expecting more of the same this Saturday making the Golden Flashes almost four TD underdogs against a Virginia (2-2) team that has already played one of the nation's toughest schedules. This is only the second time in five games that the Cavaliers haven't played a ranked opponent and they'll be eager to pick up a quick win before getting to the heart of the ACC season.

When you give up 215 yards on the ground and another 250+ through the air on average, you're going to have a bad time and that's just what Kent State has done through three games. To compound things they can't run or pass on offense, ladies and gentleman your Golden Flashes! It hasn't been all bad for Kent State, they lost 17-14 to a tough Ohio team on a last second field goal and lost 23-13 to an improving South Alabama team but there are no moral victories in college football.

Virginia has already played #7 UCLA (28-20 L), versus then #21 Louisville (23-21 W), and at #23 BYU (41-33 L) on this young season. Their 2-2 record seems mediocre but also impressive at the same time considering the opponents. The Cavaliers need to find stability in their QB position going forward in the ACC as they've employed a 2-headed monster of Greyson Lambert and Matt Johns in all 4 games thus far. The incumbent starter Lambert has completed a higher percentage of passes (64.9 to 58.6) but has struggled with 4 INT against 2 TD. Johns on the other hand has thrown 4 TD to just 2 INT. It could all be a moot point though as Lambert suffered an ankle injury against BYU and may miss the game, putting the Cavs all-in on Johns.
The Virginia defense should have little struggle with a poor Kent State offense as the Cavaliers unit ranks 40th in the nation in total yards including 22nd against the rush at 99.8 YPG against quality opponents. Virginia does have a big conference game against Pittsburgh looming next week though and could find themselves looking ahead if they don't take care of business early against the Golden Flashes.

Kent State Golden Flashes Betting Trends

Kent State Golden Flashes are 0-3-0 Against the Spread

Kent State Golden Flashes are 1-2-0 against the Over/Under

Virginia Cavaliers Betting Trends

Virginia Cavaliers are 4-0-0 Against the Spread

Virginia Cavaliers are 1-2-0 against the Over/Under

Injuries to Watch

Kent State Golden Flashes

09/21/14 LB Devante Strickland Knee "?" Saturday vs. Virginia
09/21/14 RB Trayion Durham Foot "?" Saturday vs. Virginia
09/13/14 DB Calvin Tiggle Foot out indefinitely
09/11/14 DL Anthony Pruitt Academics out indefinitely

Virginia Cavaliers

09/21/14 QB Greyson Lambert Ankle injured last game, "?" Saturday vs. Kent State
08/11/14 DB Demetrious Nicholson Toe out indefinitely
08/02/14 OL Jay Whitmire Back out indefinitely

Guy's Pick: Take Virginia

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