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Alabama vs. Kent State prediction and game preview. Projecting who wins the matchup between the Crimson Tide and Golden Flashes.

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Alabama vs. Kent State Game Preview

When: Saturday, September 24 – 12:00 p.m. ET

Where: Bryant-Denny Stadium, Tuscaloosa, AL

TV Broadcast: SEC Network

Alabama fell behind early, but the Tide kept rolling against Ole Miss with a big, 48-43 win against the Rebels in Oxford. Quarterback Jalen Hurts hurt the Rebels with his legs, rushing for 146 yards while running back Damien Harris ran for 144 yards himself.

Kent State earned its first victory of the season against Monmouth this past Saturday 27-7, but will face a monumental task in taking on the reigning national champions in Tuscaloosa.

What To Know About Alabama

Another year, another Alabama team making the opposition look silly. While Hurts hasn’t been firing on all cylinders throwing the ball, he has done enough to gash defenses on the ground. Harris has been the main guy at running back for the Tide, while the targets of Calvin Ridley and O.J. Howard remain dangerous in the passing game.

Linebacker Reuben Foster has been everything Alabama wanted and more this season. He leads the team with 22 tackles while defensive linemen Jonathan Allen and Ryan Anderson have been harassing the opposing quarterbacks for a combined 7.5 sacks in three games.

What to Know About Kent State

The Golden Flashes’ offense has struggled so far this season, averaging just 299 yards per game in the first three matchups. Quarterback Mylik Mitchell must be efficient if Kent State is to move the ball against the Alabama defense.

Safety Nate Holley has been a tackling machine so far this season, making 47 total tackles – including 13 solo tackles in the win this past Saturday. Keeping Hurts and company from continually getting into the end zone will be tough.

Advantages

Offense: Alabama. The rushing attack has been solid, but look for offensive coordinator Lane Kiffin to open up the aerial assault.

Defense: Alabama. Forget the 43 points it gave up to Ole Miss. This is still a talented unit.

Special Teams: Alabama. Punter JK Scott has seven punts of more than 50 yards.

Coaching: Alabama. It is Nick Saban.

Intangibles: Alabama. The Tide have their mind on one thing: a national title.

Matchup To Watch

Jalen Hurts vs. Kent State defense

Expect him to throw a lot more in this game and be effective, but he will also look to break the defense’s back with big runs.

Alabama vs. Kent State Betting Odds

Spread: Alabama -43.5

Over/Under: N/A

Alabama vs. Kent State Prediction

This will be ugly and it will be ugly quickly. Alabama has every advantage in this game and frankly, the Crimson Tide’s second-team could win this game itself. Hurts, Harris and company will light up the scoreboard and Kent State will struggle to gain first downs, not to mention points. Saban will still find things to gripe about, though, as even a cute puppy chasing its little tail wouldn’t make the man happy.

Alabama vs. Kent State Score Prediction: Alabama 70, Kent State 10

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