Oklahoma football: OU-Kent State score predictions/game breakdown

The Sooners rolled through UTEP last weekend, opening the Brent Venables era with a 45-13 win over the Miners. Now, Oklahoma football welcomes in Kent State, who is coming off a 45-20 loss to Washington.

The Sooners open as a 33-point favorite over the Golden Flashes, let’s hear the score predictions and overall breakdown from our StorminInNorman crew:

Connor Pasby

Score: OU 50 – Kent State 17

Game Breakdown:

There’s no other way to put it: Kent State’s defense just isn’t that good. Last week, the Washington Huskies lit up for 525 yards against the Golden Flashes, and I expect the Sooners to do the same. The Sooners will make an emphasis in running the football against an undersized defensive line for Kent State.

The Golden Flashes show a “Rush 3, Drop 8” defense, so the ground came could erupt for the Sooner running backs.  Expect to see more playing time from the highly talented true freshmen; Jovantae Barns and Jayden Gibson. Defensively, it’s a Kent State offense that likes to work fast, and spread out the ball, so it’ll be a busy day for the Sooner’s secondary. The secondary will be tested in a way, and I’m keeping an eye on Woodi Washington and Billy Bowman.

The Sooners will come down with two interceptions tomorrow night. They will win comfortably Saturday, but this Kent State squad is not a team to take lightly.

Chip Rouse

Score: OU 52 – Kent State 10

Game Breakdown:

For the second week in a row, the Sooners are over a 30-point favorite over their opponent, the Kent State Golden Flashes. Kent State suffered a 45-20 loss in its season opener last week at Washington. This will be the first meeting ever between these two schools.

The Sooners need to avoid taking the Flashes lightly. They are not as bad as that score might indicate. In the annual Mid-American Conference preseason coaches poll, Kent State was picked to repeat as East Division champions.

In four trips to the red zone last weekend, the Golden Flashes scored three times, so keeping them out of the red zone will be key. Shutting down the run game and forcing the Kent State offense to become one-dimensional will be another key. In the loss at Washington, Kent State QB Collin Schlee threw three interceptions.

Timothy Bailey

Score: Oklahoma 52 – Kent State 10

Game Breakdown:

The Sooners build upon a strong opening performance by handling business in another warm-up. The Sooners will still be vanilla, however readying themselves for the task of heading up to Lincoln, Nebraska next week.

Douglas Miles

Score: OU 49 – Kent State 10

Game Breakdown:

Much is made of the improvement of a college football team between Week 1 and Week 2. Improved offensive line play and fewer penalties will help accomplish that type of progress for the Sooners, who will likely keep the game plan basic and frill-free against the Flashes. Kent State has been outscored by an average of 38-13 in its last four games against “Power-5” competition.

Aaron Gelvin

Score: OU 49 – Kent State 6

Game Breakdown:

Similar to last week, OU’s offense will look good and move the ball for the most part. The defense will continue to stuff the run and get pressure on the quarterback. Keeping my eyes on the secondary that has to cover better, and the offensive line has to protect Dillon Gabriel better.

Adam Willis

Score: OU 56 – Kent State 10

Game Breakdown:

The offense improves by maintaining tempo and pace in Week 2, Kent State won’t be able to keep up with the pace. The defense will get to the quarterback early and often. I expect quite a few tackle-for-losses this game from the front 7. The Sooners dominate on their way to win number 2 of the season.

Cameron Black

Score: OU 63 – Kent State 17

Game Breakdown:

The Sooners have already shown that their offense has not missed a beat with Dillon Gabriel at the helm, and I believe the Sooners players and their no-huddle “hurry up” offense will simply overwhelm the Kent State Defense. This is a good opportunity for the Sooners to shore up some minor areas of concern from the game against UTEP, and a great opportunity for 2nd and 3rd team guys to get some valuable reps. I do think Kent State will manage to score some against OU’s 2nd and 3rd team defense.