Shane Beamer is well aware of the SEC gauntlet slate that awaits him and the Gamecocks in the near future, and knows that they have to make a statement during every non-conference contest.
South Carolina will ultimately be judged by how they fare in the SEC, but a convincing victory over a middle-of-the-pack MAC team would go a long way in boosting their confidence. Kent State was 5-7 overall in 2025 and 4-4 in MAC conference play in 2025.
If you are looking for some betting advice for the matchup, we've got you covered. Here are the latest odds for the game, courtesy of BetMGM.
Kent State vs. South Carolina game odds
All college football odds via BetMGM
- Spread: Kent State +36 (-110), South Carolina -36 (-110)
- Money Line: Not available
- Over-Under: Over 54.5 (-110), Under 54.5 (-110)
Kent State vs. South Carolina prediction, pick:
It's safe to say that defense was not the Golden Flashes' calling card last season. They gave up over 5,100 yards of offense last season,
which was second-to-last in the MAC. Kent State also finished last in passing yards allowed, which should be music to LaNorris Sellers' ears.
Ideally, Sellers would throw for 350 yards and four touchdowns in a spot like this, but Beamer might be more interested in seeing his quarterback take care of the football. Sellers threw seven picks in 2024 and eight picks in 2025, and didn't throw enough touchdowns to make the ratio look all that impressive.
Expect the Gamecocks to roll as the spread suggests, but fans will need to watch the game closely to see if South Carolina has really turned a corner in 2026.
Prediction: South Carolina 44, Kent State 14
Best Bet: Over 54.5
Kent State vs. South Carolina, start time, streaming:
Time: 12:45 p.m. ET
TV: SEC Network
Stream: ESPN app, FuboTV
Watch Kent State vs. South Carolina on FuboTV (Free Trial)
Get more betting analysis and predictions at Sportsbook Wire.
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This article originally appeared on College Sports Wire: Kent State vs. South Carolina: Week 1 Betting Odds, Prediction
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