The Kent State Golden Flashes were an absolute disaster last season. They finished an uninspiring 0-12 with losses in all eight conference games and a shocking defeat to the St. Francis Red Flash, an FCS school of 2,000 people from lovely Loretto, PA.
Kent State lost games by 36, 41, 56 and 71 last year.
🎙 Vegas Voices
Hall of Fame Las Vegas bookmaker Chris Andrews told me the 2024 Golden Flashes were the lowest team in the history of his college football power ratings.
“They started the season at the bottom and got progressively worse,” Andrews told me from his office at the South Point Hotel and Casino. “They finished 13 points lower than where I started them. I can’t see how they can be worse but I guess it’s possible.
“I don’t see much improvement.”
Last Saturday, Kent State needed a 100-yard kickoff return to beat Merrimack — shoutout NESN’s Mike Barry — by a score of 21-17. The game was pathetic.
Wynn Resorts bookmaker Motoi Pearson didn’t mince any words.
“Think of the saddest moments you’ve gone through in your life,” Pearson said. "Understand there’s a good chance Kent State is probably going through worse.”
From the basement of Kent State to a battered ankle in Honolulu…
🏈 Wounded Warrior
Remember Micah Alejado from our first newsletter?
The Hawaii quarterback played with his right ankle wrapped in tape and re-injured said ankle while the Rainbow Warriors were getting their doors blown off at Arizona. Woof.
Alejado was spotted in another boot at Tuesday’s practice and wise guys went to town. Even with limits low, Sam Houston State got bet from +9 to +6.5. Alejado went no boot Wednesday but hasn’t been participating at practice.
“The coach never should have played him,” one respected bettor told me. “All the momentum from the Hawaii win is ruined and this injury will linger all season.”
Stay tuned… again.
📊 Sharp Report
Sam Houston State +9 —> +6.5
Kansas State -14 —> -17
Charlotte +19 —> +13.5
UConn +8.5 —> +6.5
Oklahoma -3 —> -7
Michigan +7 —> +5
Michigan-Oklahoma U48 —> 44.5
Memphis-Georgia State O54 —> 57.5
🔭 FCS Watch
Be ready for an “Over” move on Gardner Webb-Ga Tech on Saturday. The opening number probably won’t last long. #VegasRick
🏆 Brock This Way
I have tons of San Francisco 49ers stock this season: Over 10.5 wins, a 10/1 bet on ‘em to win the NFC and a 25/1 pop on Christian McCaffrey to win Offensive POY. The next level of portfolio building would’ve involved an MVP bet on Brock Purdy.
Professional bettor Rob Pizzola is big on San Francisco, too, but he pumped the brakes on any prognostication about Purdy being the league’s most valuable asset.
“I would love to see it happen because of my investments on the 49ers,” Pizzola admitted. “But he literally put together a near perfect season two years ago. He led the NFL in EPA/play for the majority of the year and still couldn't win it. I fear that Shanahan will always get the bulk of the credit for that offense's success.”
🍺 Fade The Bartender
If you’re new around here, The Bartender is a lifetime NFL loser.
2020: 11-23
2021: 24-27
2022: 16-24
2023: 29-33
2024: 34-29
His Week 1 picks will be shared Saturday. How will he follow up his best season picking games against the spread? Time will tell.
👥 Around the Table
Shoutout to Jaric from Tuesday’s live show:
Panthers Week 1 Survivor *ducks*
That’s bold, alright. I find myself on the very popular Broncos.
🐔 Chicken Winners
Here’s my five piece for this weekend.
Duke +3
Texas Tech -48
Kansas +6.5
Giants +6
Raiders +2.5
L/W: 1-2, -1.3 units
YTD: 1-2, -1.3 units
Good luck everyone. Cheers.
Follow Sam!
Bet Sweats | Bear Bets
Chicken Dinner | FOX Sports
“Think of the saddest moments you’ve gone through in your life. Understand there’s a good chance Kent State is probably going through worse.”
- Motoi Pearson, Wynn Resorts