Both the UCF Knights and Kent State Golden Flashes enter new eras. UCF takes its talents to the Big 12, while Kent State looks to move on from the Sean Lewis regime. Can UCF handle life in their new conference? Time will tell, but the UCF vs. Kent State prediction gives us a glimpse of what the season could look like for both squads.
Kent State vs. UCF Betting and DFS Preview
- Spread
UCF -37 - Moneyline
N/A - Over/Under
57.5 total points - Game time
7 p.m. ET - Location
FBC Mortgage Stadium, Orlando, FL - Predicted Weather at Kick
88 degrees, thunderstorms, 14 mph winds - How to Watch
FuboTV, FS1 - How to Buy Tickets
TicketNetwork
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Top DFS Picks and Fantasy Plays
All values below come from FanDuel’s multi-team entries for the weekend. Looking to sign up for FanDuel? New customers bet $5 and get $200 in bonus bets guaranteed. Click here for more details.
Looking for each team’s depth chart? Click the appropriate link to view.
Kent State Depth Chart | UCF Depth Chart
- QB John Rhys Plumlee, UCF ($12,400)
- RB RJ Harvey, UCF ($9500)
- WR Kobe Hudson, UCF ($8,800)
- WR Javon Baker, UCF ($7,800)
- RB Johnny Richardson, UCF ($6,600)
- WR Corey Gammage, UCF ($6,500)
- RB Xavier Williams, Kent State ($6,200)
- QB Michael Alaimo, Kent State ($6,100)
- QB Tommy Ulatowski, Kent State ($6,100)
- WR Trell Harris, Kent State ($6,000)
- RB Bryan Bradford, Kent State ($5,300)
- WR Luke Floriea, Kent State ($5,300)
- TE Alec Holler, UCF ($5,200)
- QB Devin Kargman, Kent State ($5,200)
- RB Ky Thomas, Kent State ($5,200)
If you’re looking for big fantasy points, one side has the potential to put up those kinds of numbers. Both teams have plenty of questions, but only one has stability right now.
The Knights will rely on John Rhys Plumlee to operate the offense. He’s a dual-threat weapon who’s looking to take a step forward as a passer to give this unit an even stronger passing attack.
Kent State didn’t face a ton of dual-threat quarterbacks last year, but they struggled when they did. Toledo’s Dequan Finn put up career numbers last year, and Plumlee is even more electric with the ball in his hands. The Golden Flashes defense lost nearly everyone from their starting unit, too, so that is terrifying.
UCF’s passing attack remains the biggest X-Factor for this team. Plumlee, at times, throws a solid ball, but not always. The pass catchers give him some grace with their athletic ability, specifically Javon Baker. Kobe Hudson’s a solid pick too, but Baker brings better value at his price.
Good luck if you’re looking for anyone on Kent State to add to your lineup. The quarterback situation is a revolving door, and the skill positions are by committee until further notice.
This game should be over quickly, so the other concern for DFS players is how long UCF’s first unit will be in the game. Plumlee has the potential to slash the Golden Flashes defense, but he might not be in there long. Also, who knows how much Gus Malzahn will show with a trip to Boise State on the slate next week.
Prediction for Kent State vs. UCF
Anyone betting Kent State to win likes lighting money on fire. The Golden Flashes lost nearly every key contributor from last year, and Sean Lewis took the offensive coordinator role at Colorado. It’s a tough place to win, and Kent State’s in a tough place without Lewis.
UCF’s future is uncertain, too, just not as much as Kent State’s. The Knights head into the Big 12 this year, and everyone’s interested to see what they can do at the Power 5 level. For now, putting this game away early would be the best way to start the season.
Plumlee and the offense shouldn’t have too many issues moving the football on this defense, and the Knights’ own defense should feast against a new-look offensive line. At this point, it’s about how big the margin of victory will be for UCF.
Prediction
UCF 44, Kent State 7
