Frisco Bowl Gambling Preview

Are you ready for the historic Frisco Bowl? I hope you've prepared your body. 

I'm joking about the whole historic thing, but tonight's game at 7:30 PM on ESPN2 is going to feature a lot of points. The total is currently at 71, which makes sense thanks to Kent State ranking 8th in seconds per play, while Utah State ranks 2nd. 

The over looks good, but my favorite play is Kent State +7.5. 

The three players in that tweet will be playing today, but I still like Kent State regardless. The Golden Flashes rank inside the top-40 in rush rate in the country and have had success doing it (49th). Utah State's biggest struggle on defense is stopping the run (117th in rushing success rate). Kent State will be able to establish the run and then also succeed through the air (40th in passing success to the 85th ranking of Utah State's pass defense). 

I do have concerns about Kent State's defense, but it's not like they'll be going up against a juggernaut. Utah State's offense ranks 82nd and Jordan Love has been a disappointment all season long for the Aggies. The QB, who entered the season with hopes of being a 1st round draft pick ranks 89th in QBR currently. 

Kent State also has a phenomenal special teams unit, ranking 13th in SP+ special teams. 

I wouldn't be doing my job if I didn't mention Kent State having a motivational edge. Utah State had aspirations of winning the Mountain West this year, but have ended up in the Frisco Bowl. This is Kent State's first bowl game since 2012 and it's 2nd bowl game as a program in the 21st century. 

Pick: Kent State +7.5

#StackCashWithJackMac: 121-104, +5.45 units.