Kent State at South Carolina - 2026 Matchup Preview
Kent State logo

Kent State Golden Flashes at South Carolina Gamecocks

South Carolina logo
Saturday, September 5th 2026 (12:00 AM EDT)
Williams-Brice Stadium - Columbia, SC

 
Golden Flashes (0 - 0) (0 - 0 - 0)
Coach Mark Carney (5 - 7)
Avg Score : 21 - 34 (18 - 43 on Road)
Record Prediction: 3.5 - 8.5 (#104)
'26 Opponents: (Elite: 1) (Good: 2) (Avg: 0) (Bad: 8)
Our Line: South Carolina -28.5  (SP+ SC -32)
Projected Score: KENT: 12 - SC: 40 (52)
SC Win prob: 97% | Cover: 52%
KENT Travel: 495 miles
Gamecocks (0 - 0) (0 - 0 - 0)
Coach Shane Beamer (33 - 30)
Avg Score : 23 - 22 (25 - 21 @ Home)
Record Prediction: 5.9 - 6.1 (#76)
'26 Opponents: (Elite: 5) (Good: 2) (Avg: 1) (Bad: 3)
 
Kent State's 2026 Schedule
DateMatchupSpreadTotalResultO/UCover
Sat 9/5Kent State at South Carolina+28.5
Sat 9/12Kent State vs Wofford-5
Sat 9/19Kent State at Ohio State+37
Sat 9/26Kent State vs Ball State-7.5
Sat 10/3Kent State vs Ohio+4
Sat 10/10Kent State at Western Michigan+14.5
Sat 10/17Kent State at South Florida+20.5
Sat 10/24Kent State vs Akron+0.5
Fri 10/30Kent State at Sacramento State+3.5
— Bye Week —
Tue 11/10Kent State at Bowling Green+9.5
Tue 11/17Kent State vs Miami (OH)+15
Tue 11/24Kent State at Eastern Michigan+9

Total: Elite: 1, Good: 2, Avg 0, Bad 3, Poor 5
Played: Elite: 0, Good: 0, Avg 0, Bad 0, Poor 0
Future: Elite: 1, Good: 2, Avg 0, Bad 3, Poor 5
Wins: Elite: 0, Good: 0, Avg: 0, Bad: 0, Poor: 0
Losses: Elite: 0, Good: 0, Avg: 0, Bad: 0, Poor: 0

Predictions for Kent State's Schedule
South Carolina's 2026 Schedule
DateMatchupSpreadTotalResultO/UCover
Sat 9/5South Carolina vs Kent State-28.5
Sat 9/12South Carolina vs Towson-29.5
Sat 9/19South Carolina vs Mississippi State-10.5
Sat 9/26South Carolina at Alabama+11.5
Sat 10/3South Carolina vs Kentucky-9
Sat 10/10South Carolina at Florida+6.5
— Bye Week —
Sat 10/24South Carolina vs Tennessee+3.5
Sat 10/31South Carolina at Oklahoma+12
Sat 11/7South Carolina vs Texas A&M+6
Sat 11/14South Carolina at Arkansas-4.5
Sat 11/21South Carolina vs Georgia+16
Sat 11/28South Carolina at Clemson+4.5

Total: Elite: 5, Good: 2, Avg 1, Bad 2, Poor 1
Played: Elite: 0, Good: 0, Avg 0, Bad 0, Poor 0
Future: Elite: 5, Good: 2, Avg 1, Bad 2, Poor 1
Wins: Elite: 0, Good: 0, Avg: 0, Bad: 0, Poor: 0
Losses: Elite: 0, Good: 0, Avg: 0, Bad: 0, Poor: 0

Predictions for South Carolina's Schedule
Important Stats (2025)
 Teams                  Off Explosive.Off SuccessPPGRush SuccessOL Yds Per AttRush YPGPass SuccessPass YPGOff ScoreZoneDef Explosive.Def SuccessDef PPGRunD SuccessPass D SuccessDef ScoreZonePenalty YPGTO PGDef TO PG
KENT#112 (.09)36% (126)21.336% (130)2.54 (129)9838% (111)1973.42 (98)#93 (.19)43% (86)33.644% (90)43% (77)4.29 (123)48.81.10.8
SC#109 (.1)37% (118)22.739% (107)2.89 (77)11236% (120)2252.61 (134)#30 (.09)42% (67)22.139% (39)44% (106)3.15 (29)57.31.51.8
 Teams                  Off Explosive.Off SuccessPPGRush SuccessOL Yds Per AttRush YPGPass SuccessPass YPGOff ScoreZoneDef Explosive.Def SuccessDef PPGRunD SuccessPass D SuccessDef ScoreZonePenalty YPGTO PGDef TO PG
KENT0%0%000%000%0%0%0000
SC0%0%000%000%0%0%0000



Overall Stats 2025
 Teams                  GamesPPGPPG H/RSuccess RatePts PerOppTO1stD PGTotalYds PGRushYds PGPassYdsPGRYPARun RatePass RateRun SuccessPass SuccessHavoc RateTotal PPA
KENT Offense1221.317.736.4%3.421.11429598197352%46%36%38%18%.09
SC Defense1222.120.641.6%3.151.8 - - - - - 51%47%39%44%16%.09
 Teams                  GamesPPGPPG H/RSuccess RatePts PerOppTO1stD PGTotalYds PGRushYds PGPassYdsPGRYPARun RatePass RateRun SuccessPass SuccessHavoc RateTotal PPA
KENT Defense1233.642.942.9%4.290.8 - - - - - 51%47%44%43%14%.19
SC Offense1222.724.937.2%2.611.5183371122253.349%50%39%36%20%.1

Additional Stats 2025
 Teams                  GamesPossession Time1st Downs PG3rd Down %4th Down %Penalties PGPenalty Yds PGOff TO PGDef TO PGTFL PGSacks PGD/ST TDsAvg Field Pos
Kent State1227:4414.328%47%6.148.81.10.85.82328.4
South Carolina1227:5817.732%50%7.357.31.51.85.31.8426.6
Run Game Stats (2026)
 Teams                  GamesRun Play RateRun Play SuccessRush Att PGRush Yds PGRush Yds Per AttRushing TDsRun Pred Pts AddedOL Yds Per Att3rd/4th & ShortFront 7 HavocRun Play Explosivness
KENT Offense1252% (45)36% (130)32.998.3310 (132)-.02 (127)2.54 (129)63% (117)13% (129)0.89 (103)
SC Defense1251% (86)39% (39) - - - - -.06 (8)2.7 (31)68% (42)10% (49)0.88 (24)
 Teams                  GamesRun Play RateRun Play SuccessRush Att PGRush Yds PGRush Yds Per AttRushing TDsRun Pred Pts AddedOL Yds Per Att3rd/4th & ShortFront 7 HavocRun Play Explosivness
KENT Defense1251% (89)44% (90) - - - - .16 (104)2.95 (78)67% (37)9% (80)1.02 (99)
SC Offense1249% (73)39% (107)34111.63.314 (107).09 (81)2.89 (77)62% (124)14% (132)1.07 (30)

Pass Game Stats (2026)
 Teams                  GamesPassPlay RatePassPlay SuccessComp PGAtt PGYds PGYds PAYds PCTDs    Ints    PassPlays PPAPassPlays ExplPassDowns RatePassDowns Succ RatePassDowns PPADB HavocPassDowns Expl
KENT Offense1246% (94)38% (111)13.624.4197.18.114.520 (61)6 (34).29 (49)1.9 (4)35% (121)24% (129).15 (120)5% (35)2.2 (17)
SC Defense1247% (54)44% (106) - - - - - - 12 (22).25 (72)1.5 (40)31% (83)29% (68).14 (14)6% (69)1.9 (39)
 Teams                  GamesPassPlay RatePassPlay SuccessComp PGAtt PGYds PGYds PAYds PCTDs    Ints    PassPlays PPAPassPlays ExplPassDowns RatePassDowns Succ RatePassDowns PPADB HavocPassDowns Expl
KENT Defense1247% (51)43% (77) - - - - - - 6 (75).26 (77)1.6 (83)32% (63)34% (122).35 (97)5% (122)1.9 (43)
SC Offense1250% (63)36% (120)17.428.5225.37.912.913 (121)11 (60).17 (109)1.7 (30)36% (131)24% (127).14 (125)6% (81)1.8 (119)

Kent State's Power Ratings
Kent State's Power Rating: -16.74  #126
Kent State's Offense Rating: 7.52  #125
Kent State's Defense Rating: 24.26  #130
2026 Talent Rating: 462.00  #109
Blue Chip Ratio: 1%  #83
Kent State's 2026 Expected Record: 3.5 - 8.5
Kent State's 2026 Overall SP+ Rating: -20.1  #128
Kent State's Offense SP+ Rating: 15.9  #125
Kent State's Defense SP+ Rating: 35.5  #127

Average Talent
Average Mid-American Talent Rating is 467.85
Average Power Five Talent: 872.28
Average FBS Talent: 677.28

Power Ratings Matchup
Kent State: -16.74   South Carolina: 11.19

SP+ Ratings Matchup
Kent State: -20.1   South Carolina: 12.1




South Carolina's Power Ratings
South Carolina's Power Rating: 11.19  #41
South Carolina's Offense Rating: 18.31  #36
South Carolina's Defense Rating: 13.03  #46
2026 Talent Rating: 932.00  #20
Blue Chip Ratio: 36  #18
South Carolina's 2026 Expected Record: 5.9 - 6.1
South Carolina's 2026 Overall SP+ Rating: 12.1  #24
South Carolina's Offense SP+ Rating: 29.9  #43
South Carolina's Defense SP+ Rating: 18.4  #21

Average Talent
Average SEC Talent Rating is 985.31
Average Power Five Talent: 872.28
Average FBS Talent: 677.28


Kent State Scoring
Offense: 21.3 PPG
Offense on Road: 17.7
Defense: 33.6 PPG
Defense on Road: 42.9

Kent State's 2026 Record
Record: 0 - 0
Record vs Spread: 0 - 0 - 0
Over/Under Record: 0 - 0
Record on Road: 0 - 0
Record vs Spread on Road: 0 - 0 - 0
Projected Score
South Carolina 40
Kent State 12


Projected Total Points: 52
South Carolina Scoring
Offense: 22.7 PPG
Offense at Home: 24.9
Defense: 22.1 PPG
Defense at Home: 20.6

South Carolina's 2026 Record
Record: 0 - 0
Record vs Spread: 0 - 0 - 0
Over/Under Record: 0 - 0
Record at home: 0 - 0
Record vs Spread at home: 0 - 0 - 0


YearDateHomeScoreAwayScoreSpreadCoverTotalO/U
TeamWinsCoversO/U
South Carolina000 Overs
Kent State000 Unders

WinsCoversFavsDogs
Home Teams0 - 00 - 00 - 00 - 0
Road Teams0 - 00 - 00 - 00 - 0

(#126) KENT at (#41) SC
Overall StatsOvr
CategoryCatKENTSC
Game ControlGC #128 #63
Momentum ControlMC #135 #80
Net PPPPPPNRNR
Power RatePwr #126 #41
SP+SP+ #128 #24
Perf GradeGradeNRNR
OffenseOffNRNR
DefenseDefNRNR
Spec TeamsSTNRNR
TalentTal #109 #20
Blue ChipsBC% #83 #18
Kent State Notes
(2/24) HC Carney went 4-4 in MAC (KS was 0-16 prev)
Kent State Injury Report
South Carolina Notes
(2/14) Vibes: Low, Beamer era shaky, '25 was bummer
(3/3) OT Peak has sig knee inj, may be ready for fall
(3/3) OT Josiah Thompson out for season (surgery LB)
(2/6) OL allowed pressure on 52% of drop backs LY
(1/29) New OC Briles is an upgrade, but how much?
(1/29) QB Sellers back. Regressed LY & ran a lot less
(1/29) RB1 unclear. 3 portals, Clark (Tex) best option?
(1/29) WR big boost w/ Tuggle, Harbor back. Have depth
(1/29) OL added portal 7 starters + 2 return. Big upgrade
(1/29) Most OL snaps played in CFB w all the adds
South Carolina Injury Report
Kent State on Offense
Balanced offense, Pass: 46%, Run: 52%
CategoryCat
KENT OffSC Def
Game ControlGC #134 #78
Momentum ControlMC #87 #67
PPPOffPPPNRNR
Perf GradePerfNRNR
SuccessSuc #126 #67
ExplosiveExp #12 #36
PPAPPA #112 #30
PowerPwr #125 #46
SP+SP+ #125 #21
Pts POPPO #98 #29
HavocHav #117 #61
Kent State Run Game
Balanced offense, Pass: 46%, Run: 52%
CategoryCat
KENT OffSC Def
Run GameRunNRNR
Run SuccessRSuc #130 #39
Run ExplRExp #103 #24
PPAExp #127 #8
Run BlockR BlkNR -
OL YdsOLY #129 #31
Stuff RateStuff #110 #26
TackleTak - NR
Kent State Pass Game
Balanced offense, Pass: 46%, Run: 52%
CategoryCat
KENT OffSC Def
Pass GamePassNRNR
Pass SuccessPSuc #111 #106
Pass ExplPExl #4 #40
PPAExp #49 #72
Pass Rush/BlockP BlkNRNR
F7 HavocF7 #129 #49
DB HavocDB #35 #69
South Carolina on Offense
Balanced offense, Pass: 50%, Run: 49%
CategoryCatSC OffKENT Def
Game ControlGC #52 #114
Momentum ControlMC #118 #135
PPPDefPPPNRNR
Perf GradePerfNRNR
SuccessSuc #118 #86
ExplosiveExp #19 #88
PPAPPA #109 #93
PowerPwr #36 #130
SP+SP+ #43 #127
Pts POPPO #134 #123
HavocHav #130 #107
South Carolina Run Game
Balanced offense, Pass: 50%, Run: 49%
CategoryCat
SC OffKENT Def
Run GameRunNRNR
Run SuccessRSuc #107 #90
Run ExplRExp #30 #99
PPAExp #81 #104
Run BlockR BlkNR -
OL YdsOLY #77 #78
Stuff RateStuff #44 #82
TackleTak - NR
South Carolina Pass Game
Balanced offense, Pass: 50%, Run: 49%
CategoryCatSC OffKENT Def
Pass GamePassNRNR
Pass SuccessPSuc #120 #77
Pass ExplPExl #30 #83
PPAExp #109 #77
Pass Block/RushP BlkNRNR
F7 HavocF7 #132 #80
DB HavocDB #81 #122
Program Comparison
SC 5 Year Profile: Consistent Average P4
'26 Profile: Up to Top 25 Contenders

KENT 5 Year Profile: Consistent Poor G5
'26 Profile: Remains Poor G5

Weather Forecast
Playing in Williams-Brice Stadium
Conditions:
Temp: 0°
No Matchups Past 4 Years
  
KENT's OC Clay Patterson (in his first season)
Player NameCOMPATTPCTYDSTDINTYPA
Dru Deshields13624057%20301838.5
Nolan Good51050%38003.8
Player NameCARYDSTDYPCLONG
Dru Deshields613830.615
Mason Blakemore93804.214
Maurice Stephens131131.031
Marques Hicks41804.514
Player NameRECYDSTDYPCLONG
Wayne Harris35383110.942
Ardell Banks12205217.138
Terik Mulder19198410.450
Da'Realyst Clark3108136.089

View Kent State's Full Roster

KENT's DC Cherokee Valeria (in his first season)
Top DefTackTFLSACKSPRESSPD
Joel Cordoba662011
Derrick Jackson481002
Sayed Abuhamdeh392102
DJ Barnes282000
SacksTackTFLSACKSPRESSPD
Thomas Aden244210
Darian Blachewicz195201
Jaihien Roy153221
Sayed Abuhamdeh392102
Pass DTackTFLSACKSPRESSPD
Sayed Abuhamdeh392102
Derrick Jackson481002
Joel Cordoba662011

SC's OC Kendal Briles (in his first season)
Player NameCOMPATTPCTYDSTDINTYPA
Lanorris Sellers17829361%24371388.3
Lucian Anderson III (Tr)264163%245236.0
Player NameCARYDSTDYPCLONG
Lanorris Sellers14927051.826
Matthew Fuller7226023.672
Christian Clark (Tr)5523624.322
Lucian Anderson III (Tr)3013814.675
Player NameRECYDSTDYPCLONG
Nyck Harbor30618620.680
Nitro Tuggle (Tr)34505414.936
Jayden Sellers22337115.375
DJ Black (Tr)22273212.482

View South Carolina's Full Roster

SC's DC Clayton White (been DC for 3 years)
Top DefTackTFLSACKSPRESSPD
Justin Okoronkwo634021
Fred Johnson624143
Peyton Williams502102
Shawn Murphy494011
SacksTackTFLSACKSPRESSPD
Caleb Herring (Tr)156462
Dylan Stewart3112462
Drew Collins (Tr)64320
Tomiwa Durojaiye (Tr)165231
Pass DTackTFLSACKSPRESSPD
Vicari Swain281105
Fred Johnson624143
Peyton Williams502102