The Kent State Golden Flashes are set to face the Northern Illinois Huskies in DeKalb, Illinois, on Saturday, November 28, 2025. Kickoff is scheduled for 12:00 p.m. EST, and the game will be broadcast on CBS Sports Network.
As per the latest betting lines, Northern Illinois is favored by five points with a moneyline of -200, while the total for the game is set at 45 points. The odds reflect a competitive matchup, with Kent State coming in as the underdog at +165 on the moneyline.
Predictions lean towards Kent State pulling off an upset in this matchup. The Golden Flashes have shown resilience, bouncing back in their last few games despite a rough loss to Toledo. They managed to secure impressive victories against teams like UMass and Bowling Green, and showed grit in their close games against Ball State and Central Michigan.
Under the guidance of head coach Thomas Hammock, Northern Illinois has struggled when favored, boasting a record of 11-25-1 against the spread. Their offense’s inconsistency has been a cause for concern, ranking near the bottom nationally in multiple statistical categories including Pass Success Rate. This puts additional pressure on the Huskies, particularly if they find themselves trailing early in the game.
On the other hand, Kent State’s freshman quarterback Dru DeShields has emerged as a dynamic playmaker, able to create opportunities and drive the team forward. This newfound momentum for the Golden Flashes could be crucial as they face a struggling Northern Illinois squad that seems to be looking ahead to next season as it prepares for a transition to the Mountain West Conference.
With both teams having something to prove—Kent State seeking to continue its upward trajectory and Northern Illinois needing to regain its footing—the matchup promises to be an engaging one. The Golden Flashes appear poised to capitalize on their current form, suggesting an exciting contest for fans and bettors alike.