Kent State Golden
Flashes
Spread
+20.5
NCAAF Predictions
Kent State Golden Flashes vs South Florida Bulls Predictions
Saturday, October 17, 2026 at 7:00pm EST at Raymond James Stadium, Tampa, FL
@
South Florida
Bulls
4-2
Spread
-20.5
50%
50%
Spread
Kent State Golden Flashes +20.5
South Florida Bulls -20.5
Moneyline
Kent State Golden Flashes +850
South Florida Bulls -1450
Total
Over 45.5 (-102)
Under 45.5 (-118)
Who wins this game?
Professional Picks
4 available
Professional Picks On This Game
Tom Strickland
Spread pick
Garrett Perry
Total pick
Primetime Ryan Johnson
Spread pick
Danny Soros
Spread pick
Kent State vs. South Florida Prediction: Is Either Side Worth Betting?
Analysis updated October 16, 2026 at 8:32 AM CDT
The Bulls should win in Tampa, but their scoring record and the lack of reliable lineup information make this a pass.
South Florida’s defense can control the game
South Florida hosts Kent State on Saturday, October 17, at Raymond James Stadium. Underdog Dynasty, a college football publication, reports that the 4-2 Bulls allow 17.3 points per game and have held four of six opponents to 17 points or fewer.
South Florida’s 41 tackles for loss present a difficult matchup for Kent State. The 2-4 Golden Flashes average 3.1 yards per carry and haven’t had a 70-yard rusher in any game this season. Quarterback Dru DeShields has also thrown six interceptions against four touchdown passes, supporting South Florida as the likely winner.
A 20.5-point spread asks more of the Bulls
South Florida has averaged 19.6 points against FBS opponents and scored three first-half touchdowns across five of those games. The Bulls have also lost two straight. Those results make it hard to back them at -20.5, even against a Kent State team coming off a 38-7 loss at Western Michigan.
Kent State’s poor rushing production isn’t enough by itself to justify taking the Golden Flashes +20.5. With no confirmed lineup or injury information available, neither side of the spread has a sound betting case. The -1450 South Florida moneyline offers little return, and the available evidence doesn’t support a bet on the 45.5 total. Pass.
Pick
South Florida Bulls
Confidence
low
Betting lean
Pass