The Buffalo Bulls will travel to Dix Stadium to meet the Kent State Golden Flashes in Week 3 of the 2025 regular season. Both teams have identical records of 1-1, with Buffalo recently securing a dominant 45-6 victory over St. Francis (PA) at home. Meanwhile, Kent State is coming off a challenging loss to Texas Tech, where they fell 62-14 on the road. This matchup marks the start of conference play for both Mid-American teams, as neither has faced a conference opponent so far this season. Buffalo will aim to improve their road performance after losing their away opener against Minnesota, while Kent State looks to maintain their positive home record following their narrow victory against Merrimack College. The home advantage at Dix Stadium could play a crucial role for the Golden Flashes. The consensus odds favor Buffalo heavily with a moneyline of -1963, while Kent State stands at +1027. The spread sees Buffalo as 21.5-point favorites, reflecting their recent strong performance. Both teams will look to capitalize on their strengths and start their conference season on the right foot.
Kent State vs Buffalo At a Glance
- Game Location: Dix Stadium in Kent, OH
- Game Date and Time: Saturday, September 13, 2025 at 12:00 PM
- TV Coverage: CBSS
- Current Records: Both Buffalo Bulls and Kent State Golden Flashes hold a 1-1 record this season
- Betting Odds: Buffalo Bulls are favorites with a moneyline of -1963
- Spread: Buffalo Bulls are favored by 21.5 points
Kent State Golden Flashes Seek Redemption in Upcoming Game
Quarterback Performance
The Kent State Golden Flashes’ quarterbacks have had mixed performances in the 2025 season. Dru DeShields leads with 234 passing yards across two games, ranking 121st nationally. CJ Montes follows with 140 yards and has thrown one interception.
DeShields has been more efficient in securing touchdowns, with two in the early season. Montes has only managed one touchdown so far. Both quarterbacks will need to improve to elevate the team’s offensive output.
Running Game Challenges
The Golden Flashes have struggled in the rushing department, with Gavin Garcia leading at 74 yards over two games. His performance ranks 260th nationally, emphasizing the need for a stronger ground game.
Additional support from players like Jahzae Kimbrough and Cade Wolford, who have minimal rushing yards, will be critical. The team needs to find ways to break through defenses to establish a more effective running strategy.
Receiving Corps Overview
Despite challenges, Sebastian Brown stands out among the receivers with 52 receiving yards. Wayne Harris and Ardell Banks have also contributed with 36 and 49 yards, respectively.
The team has yet to score a receiving touchdown, highlighting an area for improvement. A more dynamic passing attack could help open up the field and lead to scoring opportunities.
Defensive Efforts
Defensively, Kent State ranks 65th in points allowed, with 79 points against them this season. Their strength lies in forcing turnovers, with one fumble recovery so far.
The defensive line has been effective with two sacks, ranking 9th nationally. Continued pressure on opposing quarterbacks will be vital in upcoming games.
Team Betting Trends
- Kent State has been consistent at covering the spread in home games.
- The team shows a stronger performance in games played at Dix Stadium.
- Historical data indicates a tendency to perform better against conference opponents.
- The Golden Flashes often struggle in non-conference road games.
- Kent State has a record of exceeding total points in previous home games.
The Buffalo Bulls Charge Ahead: What to Expect Against Kent State
Kent State’s Offensive Outlook
Kent State’s offense will look to capitalize on their passing game against the Buffalo Bulls. They have demonstrated a dynamic ability to move the ball through the air, which could pose a challenge for the Bulls’ secondary.
Key players will need to step up to exploit any defensive gaps Buffalo might present. With Buffalo’s defense excelling in interceptions, the Golden Flashes must ensure precision in their passing plays.
Defensive Strategy of Kent State
Kent State’s defense will have their hands full trying to contain Buffalo’s potent rushing attack. Buffalo’s ground game has proven to be a force, ranking high in rushing yards this season.
To counter Buffalo’s rushing prowess, Kent State will need to focus on fortifying their defensive line and ensuring their linebackers are sharp in tackling. Any slip-ups in defense could lead to significant gains for Buffalo’s running backs.
Key Players to Watch
On the offensive side, Kent State will rely heavily on their quarterback to deliver precise and effective throws. Their wide receivers will also need to create separation and capitalize on opportunities to stretch Buffalo’s defense.
Defensively, look for Kent State’s defensive backs to be active in trying to disrupt Buffalo’s passing game. The success of their defense may hinge on their ability to force turnovers and limit Buffalo’s offensive production.
Special Teams and Intangibles
Special teams could play a pivotal role in this game, as both teams might look for an edge through field position battles. Kent State’s kickers and return specialists will need to be at their best to make a difference.
In addition, intangibles such as team discipline, especially in avoiding penalties, could prove crucial. Kent State’s ability to maintain focus and execute their game plan will be key in this matchup.
Injury Report Insights
Kent State will have to monitor their roster closely as injuries could impact their lineup. Any missing personnel might require adjustments in both offensive and defensive schemes.
Buffalo’s own injury concerns might provide openings for Kent State to exploit, especially if key players for the Bulls are sidelined. This aspect of the game could influence the strategies both teams employ.
Kent State Betting Trends
- Kent State has covered the spread in X of their last Y games as an away team.
- The total has gone over in Z of Kent State’s last W games against Buffalo.
- Kent State is X-Y against the spread in their last Z games overall.
Kent State vs Buffalo Prediction: Buffalo -21.5
In this Week 3 encounter between Buffalo and Kent State, the odds favor Buffalo with a spread of -21.5. Despite playing on the road, Buffalo’s recent head-to-head success against Kent State suggests they can cover this large spread. Buffalo’s offense ranks 38th in points for, while Kent State’s defense struggles, sitting at 65th in points against.
Buffalo’s defense has been effective, allowing just 29 points across two games, ranked 20th nationally. Their ability to create turnovers, with 1 interception and 2 fumbles recovered, ranks them among the best defensively. Kent State’s offense might find it challenging to move the ball efficiently against Buffalo’s stout defense.
Given Buffalo’s strong defensive showing and their superior rushing attack, which is 37th nationally, they are well-equipped to control the game tempo. This will likely limit Kent State’s scoring opportunities and help Buffalo build a lead. Buffalo’s past head-to-head victories over Kent State, including a 43-7 win last season, further reinforce their potential to win comfortably.
Considering these factors, the smart pick here is Buffalo to cover the spread of -21.5. A projected final score could see Buffalo winning 42-17, comfortably covering the spread against Kent State.
- Kent State vs Buffalo Prediction: Buffalo -21.5
- Kent State vs Buffalo Score: Buffalo 42 – Kent State 17
