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Kent State vs Fresno State: Game Preview, How to Watch, Odds, Prediction

The Bulldogs are going for their 13th straight win as they face Kent State for the first time in program history

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The Bulldogs are back home for a two-game home stand. As the Dogs host the Kent State Golden Flashes from the MAC on Boots and Buckles Night.

Game: Kent State vs. Fresno State

Where: Valley Children’s Stadium  Fresno, California

TV: CBS Sports Network

StreamingFubo TV with a free trial

Series Record: First meeting between both programs

Websites: gobulldogs.com

Game Notes: Kent State | Fresno State

Odds: -28

Week 4 2023 Mountain West Football: Best Bets

Players to Watch:

Dean Clark

The former Golden Flash is set to face his former team on Saturday night. Before becoming a Bulldog, Dean spent four seasons at Kent State. Now Clark will get a chance to be on the other side of the sideline. Dean is second on the team in tackles which the Bulldogs will need all of Saturday night.

Elijah Gilliam 

Simply, the Dogs have to run the ball. With Malik Sherrod back in the mix last week Gilliam was still the workhorse and should be this week as well. Gilliam is still looking for his first 100-yard rushing game this season and it could come this Saturday as Kent State gives up nearly 221 yards ppg which ranks near the bottom out of all the FBS programs. If Gilliam can have an efficient day on the ground the Bulldogs will find a lot of success on offensively.

Keys to the game:

Finishing red-zone drives

The Bulldogs have to find ways to finshs with six points. Last week at Arizona State the Bulldogs had four drives that started in ASU territory and they all ended in field goal attempts, leaving 19 points on the board. The Dogs are 7 for 16 in red-zone touchdowns this season. Fresno State has to get the ball out of Mikey Keene‘s hands or lean more into the running closer to the end zone. Simply, you can’t leave that many points on the board.

Fast Start

Last time the Bulldogs were home the Dogs survived an upset bid from Eastern Washington. Now the Dogs are back for their second home game and look to start the season off 4-0. Kent State is a program that is rebuilding after losing a lot of talent and experience in the transfer portal. This game seems like the Bulldogs should roll through on paper, anything can happen in college football. So to avoid having a scare or upset bid the Bulldogs must start fast. Last time out the Bulldogs did jump into a 14-3 lead but both of their scoring drives start in the opponent territory. The offense looked sluggish and the defense eventually got tired. Fresno State has to come out locked in and put this game to bed early!

Predictions

The Bulldogs know they can’t overlook Kent State or they might find themselves in a hole like the last home game. Kent State is still trying to find their identity as they are going through their rebuild. The Bulldogs offense should find its rhythm early, the defense should have another big night. The Bulldogs will control this game from the first whistle to the last whistle.

Fresno State 40, Kent State 10

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