As Week 7 of the 2025 college football season unfolds, the Massachusetts Minutemen prepare to take on the Kent State Golden Flashes at Dix Stadium in Kent, Ohio. The game is scheduled for an afternoon kickoff at 2:30 PM on October 11, 2025, and will be broadcast on ESPN+. Both teams are eager for a win, with Massachusetts still seeking their first victory of the season. The Minutemen have had a challenging start to their season, currently standing at 0-5. Despite their struggles, they have shown moments of potential in their passing game. The team aims to leverage these strengths as they play away from home in hopes of turning their season around. Kent State enters this matchup with a record of 1-4, having secured their only win at home against Merrimack College. Playing at Dix Stadium offers a familiar setting where they have previously found success. With a spread favoring them by 3 points, Kent State will look to capitalize on home-field advantage to improve their standing in the Mid-American Conference.
Kent State vs Massachusetts At a Glance
- Game Location: Dix Stadium in Kent, OH
- Current Records: Massachusetts is 0-5, while Kent State holds a 1-4 record
- Broadcast Info: Available on ESPN+
- Game Odds: Kent State is favored with a -147 moneyline
- Weather Forecast: Outdoor conditions expected at Dix Stadium
- Game Time: Kicks off at 2:30 PM on Saturday, October 11, 2025
Kent State Golden Flashes: Ready to Shine Against Massachusetts Minutemen
Team Overview
The Kent State Golden Flashes have had a challenging 2025 season, recording only one win out of six games. Their offense is currently ranked 92nd in points scored, demonstrating their struggles to find consistency. On defense, they have given up 220 points, placing them 118th in the rankings.
Their upcoming game against the Massachusetts Minutemen presents an opportunity for Kent State to bounce back. With their last game ending in a 44-0 defeat to Oklahoma, the Golden Flashes will be looking to regroup and focus on achieving a victory at home.
Quarterback Performance
Dru DeShields has been the leading quarterback for Kent State, playing in five games with a total of 642 passing yards. His performance, however, has been marred by just one passing touchdown and one interception. The team will hope DeShields can find his rhythm and lead the offense effectively in the upcoming game.
Backup quarterback CJ Montes has also seen action in two games, contributing 140 passing yards and one touchdown. The team may consider utilizing Montes more if DeShields continues to struggle, especially if they need a change of pace to ignite their offense.
Key Offensive Players
Running back Gavin Garcia is a crucial part of Kent State’s offense with 183 rushing yards over five games. Although he has yet to score a rushing touchdown, his ability to gain yards on the ground will be essential for the team’s success. Wide receiver Cade Wolford has been a standout performer with 242 receiving yards and four touchdowns, making him a key target in the passing game.
The team will need these players to step up and deliver against Massachusetts if they hope to improve their offensive output. The Golden Flashes have shown flashes of potential, but consistency remains the key.
Recent Game Recaps
Kent State’s recent games have not been favorable, with heavy losses against powerhouses such as Florida State and Texas Tech. The Golden Flashes managed to hold their own against Buffalo, losing narrowly by three points in a 31-28 contest. This performance showed their ability to compete against evenly matched teams.
As they return home to Dix Stadium, Kent State will aim to capitalize on their home-field advantage. They have a history of performing better in front of their fans, which could provide the confidence boost they need.
Team Betting Trends
- SU – As Favorite: Last 20 Games → 15-5 (75.0%)
- O/U – After Win: Last 3 Games → 3-0 (100.0%)
- O/U – As Underdog: Last 28 Games → 18-10 (64.3%)
- O/U – All Games: Last 30 Games → 18-12 (60.0%)
- O/U – Away Games: Last 18 Games → 11-7 (61.1%)
- O/U – Home Games: Last 9 Games → 6-3 (66.7%)
The Massachusetts Minutemen: A Detailed Look at Their Upcoming Away Game
Offensive Struggles
The Massachusetts Minutemen are currently grappling with offensive challenges this season. They’ve managed to accumulate only 52 points, placing them 96th overall. Their passing game is ranked 114th with 857 yards, while the rushing attack sits at 127th with just 306 yards.
Their inability to convert drives into points has been evident in their recent games. In their latest contest against Western Michigan, they were held to just 3 points.
Defensive Analysis
On the defensive side, Massachusetts has allowed 179 points, ranking them 107th. However, their defense has shown flashes of promise in certain areas. They rank 16th in sacks with 8 and have secured 3 interceptions, ranking 4th.
Despite these strengths, the Minutemen’s defense has struggled to consistently stop opposing offenses, as highlighted in their 42-6 loss to Missouri.
Key Players
Quarterbacks Grant Jordan and Brandon Rose have shared duties, with Jordan throwing for 278 yards and Rose for 289 yards. AJ Hairston stands out with 290 passing yards and the only touchdown pass among the trio.
On the ground, Rocko Griffin leads with 165 rushing yards, although his status is questionable due to an injury. Jacquon Gibson has been the top target, with 36 receptions and 358 receiving yards.
Recent Performances
Massachusetts has had a challenging start to their season, losing all five of their games. Their closest contest was a narrow 27-26 loss to Bryant Bulldogs, showing potential in their passing game.
However, in their recent matchup against Western Michigan, they were dominated, managing only 57 rushing yards against 219 from their opponents.
Upcoming Game
The Minutemen are set to play against Kent State Golden Flashes at Dix Stadium. As 3.0-point underdogs, Massachusetts will need to find ways to improve both offensively and defensively to stand a chance.
With an over/under set at 49.5, this game presents an opportunity for the Minutemen to showcase any adjustments they’ve made following their recent losses.
Team Betting Trends
- O/U – Totals ≥ 50: 5-1 in the last 6 games
- O/U – As Underdog: 15-7 in the last 22 games
- O/U – All Games: 7-2 in the last 9 games
- O/U – After Loss: 16-9 in the last 25 games
- O/U – Away Games: 4-1 in the last 5 games
Kent State vs Massachusetts Prediction: Over 49.5
Analyzing the game between Kent State and Massachusetts, it’s evident that both teams have struggled defensively. Massachusetts has allowed 179 points this season, while Kent State has given up 220 points, ranking them 107th and 118th respectively in points allowed.
Offensively, while neither team has been prolific, the defensive vulnerabilities of both sides suggest there will be scoring opportunities. Kent State has managed to put up 73 points, and Massachusetts has contributed 52 points this season.
Given the defensive weaknesses of both teams and their tendency to allow points, the total of 49.5 appears reachable. The game could see both teams capitalize on each other’s defensive gaps, leading to a higher-scoring game than expected.
Considering these factors, the over 49.5 is the favorable play. A projected score of Kent State 28 – Massachusetts 24 supports this pick, expecting both offenses to exploit the defenses effectively.
- Kent State vs Massachusetts Prediction: Over 49.5
- Kent State vs Massachusetts Score: Kent State 28 – Massachusetts 24
