Kent State at Akron Picks and Predictions for Tuesday, November 11, 2025

By: David Anicetti Published 11/09/2025, 10:36 PM ET

The Kent State Golden Flashes (3–6, 2–3 Mid-American Conference) travel to face the Akron Zips (4–6, 3–3 MAC) in an annual rivalry showdown. Kent State dropped a 17–13 decision at Ball State last week, while Akron handled UMass 44–10 and has won three of its last five. Both teams remain alive for bowl consideration. Score and win with college football picks.

Game Information for Kent State vs Akron

Kickoff: 7:30 PM ET, November 11

Where: InfoCision Stadium, Akron, OH

TV: ESPNU

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Kent State Preview

Quarterback Dru DeShields has passed for 1,321 yards with 11 touchdowns and two interceptions, completing 57% of his attempts. Running back Cade Wolford has been the top receiving threat with 406 yards and six touchdowns, while Dashawn Martin and Wayne Harris have combined for 549 yards and three scores. The running game has struggled, averaging just 2.6 yards per carry, with Gavin Garcia leading at 380 yards on 100 carries.

On defense, CJ Young leads Kent State with 69 tackles, and Jamond Mathis has 4.5 sacks. The Golden Flashes have forced six turnovers in three wins, but have been overpowered in losses when opponents establish the run. Kent State’s offense has to perform well on first and second downs to protect DeShields from pressure. DeShields has been sacked 21 times this season.

Akron Preview

Quarterback Ben Finley has thrown for 1,875 yards with 15 touchdowns and seven interceptions, completing 52.3% of his passes. Kyan Mason leads the team with 418 receiving yards and five touchdowns, while Israel Polk has 373 yards and six scores. Jordan Gant leads the running game with 850 yards and five touchdowns on 169 carries. The Zips have averaged 32 points in the last three wins, using balance on early downs and performing well in the red zone.

Linebacker Shammond Cooper leads the Akron defense with 60 tackles, while Bruno Dall has four sacks and Elijah Reed has two interceptions. The Zips have 23 total sacks and have allowed 20 or fewer points in two of the last three games. Matthew Schramm has been dependable on special teams, converting all six of his field goal attempts.

Kent State at Akron Prediction

Akron’s passing game with Finley and Mason will be the difference. Kent State’s lack of rushing production will leave the defense on the field too long, and Akron’s front seven will pressure DeShields into mistakes. The Zips are stronger up front and more consistent on both sides of the ball. Final Score Prediction: Akron Zips win and cover ATS, 27–20.