Ball State Cardinals (1-2) vs. Kent State Golden Flashes (1-2) September 26, 2026 12:00 pm EDT The Line: Kent State Golden Flashes -166 / Ball State Cardinals 140; Over/Under: 51 (Get latest betting odds)
In this article we will formulate a Kent State vs Ball State prediction for this College Football game on Saturday, September 26th at Dix Stadium in Kent, Ohio. Let’s take a look at the prediction for this Week 4 matchup.
The Kent State Golden Flashes are 1-2 (0-0) this season after they lost to Ohio State by a score of 59-3 last week. Kent State trailed 35-0 at halftime and 59-0 in the fourth, but they kicked a field goal with about two minutes left to avoid the shutout. The Golden Flashes were out gained by a total of 527-134, went 4-16 on third downs, and lost the turnover battle by a total of 3-2 in the game. Dru DeShields threw for 35 yards and one interception, while Wayne Harris caught two passes for 29 yards. Brandon White rushed five times for 21 yards in the loss.
Prior to that game, Kent State defeated Wofford by a score of 36-15, but lost to South Carolina by a score of 57-0 in week one. The Golden Flashes have scored 13.0 points per game with 133.3 passing yards and 122.0 rushing yards per game, while they have allowed 43.7 points against per game this season. Dru DeShields has thrown for 351 yards with one touchdown and three interceptions this season.
The Ball State Cardinals are 1-2 (0-0) this year after they lost to Liberty by a score of 51-15 last week. Ball State trailed 23-7 at halftime and they were outscored 28-8 in the second half for the blowout loss. The Cardinals were out gained by a total of 460-261, went 1-9 on third downs, and tied the turnover battle at one in the game. Keldric Luster threw for 93 yards, while Isaiah Thacker caught four passes for 44 yards. TJ Horton rushed eight times for 79 yards and two scores in the game.
Prior to that loss, Ball State defeated Stony Brook by a score of 41-17, but lost to Ohio State by a score of 56-3 before that. The Cardinals have scored 19.7 points per game with 156.3 passing yards and 142.3 rushing yards per game, while they have allowed 41.3 points against per game this season. Keldric Luster has thrown for 438 yards with three touchdowns and two interceptions this year.
Both of these teams come into this matchup with a 1-2 record to start the season and both are looking for their first FBS win. Kent State got very lucky to win against Wofford in week two, as they were trailing late in that one. Ball State beat Stony Brook comfortably in week two, but they got rolled over last week by Liberty. I don’t know what to think about either team here, but I know I don’t like either defense. Take the over in this one.