Frisco Bowl preview and pick: Kent State vs. Utah State

Two mid-major conference teams will kick off bowl season December 20, as Utah State will take on Kent State in the Frisco Bowl in Frisco, Texas. Utah State has gone bowling in eight of the last nine years, while Kent State is a program that should be thrilled to have made one at all. Kent State has only been in three bowl games (1954, 1972 and 2012) and has yet to win one.

Kent State vs. Utah State, December 20, 7:30 p.m. ET, ESPN2

Love was a letdown in 2019

Utah State enters the game 7-5 straight up and 7-5 against the spread. Kent State enters the game at 6-6 straight up and 8-4 against the spread. Both teams finished third in their respective divisions of the Mountain West and MAC.

Utah State has been led by quarterback Jordan Love, and even though he recently announced he will declare for the NFL draft, Utah State only managed to be the 85th scoring offense in the nation at 25.2 points per game. After an impressive sophomore year, the junior had a letdown in 2019 and saw his all of his statistical output decline.

Kent State will go as far as Crum can take them

Quarterback Dustin Crum led the way for Kent State and did so with outstanding efficiency as a national unknown. He completed 68.2% of his passes and had 18 touchdowns to just two interceptions. He also led the team in rushing. His 2,333 passing yards puts him 752 yards behind Love, despite 148 fewer attempts. Kent State ultimately ended the year 66th in the nation in points per game at 27.5.

Don't expect a defensive battle

On the other side of the ball, neither team can lay claim to an impressive defense. Kent State is 88th in the nation at 31.8 points allowed per game. Utah State was not much better at 83rd (31 points per game).

Kent State won its final three games of the season to get, so momentum is on its side.

I like Kent State to cover and play a close shootout against a team that hasn’t been particularly good at anything. Kent State’s quarterback is more efficient than his highly touted counterpart, and while the Mountain West is undoubtedly a tougher overall conference than the MAC, Kent State has shown resilience to get to this point and will be looking for its first bowl win in program history. Love almost certainly has one foot out the door, as well, and shouldn’t be expected to give any sort of extra effort that might cost him a draft position.

NCAAF free play: Kent State +7

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