Penn State vs Kent State football history: H2H, records and more ahead of Week 4 college football matchup

Penn State (2-0) will face Kent State (0-3) today at the Beaver Stadium, ready to pick up momentum after a slow start to the season. The Golden Flashes, coming off a crushing 71-0 loss to Tennessee, have had a tough run so far, being outscored 149-41 across three games.

The Nittany Lions, led by James Franklin, are looking for a strong showing after a shaky win over Bowling Green in Week 2, which dropped them to No. 10 in the AP poll. They had a bye in Week 3 but now have a chance to regroup before facing Illinois in Week 5.

Unfortunately, Penn State will be missing standout safety Kevin Winston Jr., who is sidelined with a long-term injury. This game, however, offers a key opportunity for younger players to step up and gain experience.

Game Details:

• Time: 3:30 PM EST
• Location: Beaver Stadium, University Park, PA
• TV/Streaming: BTN

Penn State Nittany Lions vs. Kent State Golden Flashes head-to-head

Penn State Nittany Lions wide receiver Harrison Wallace III - Source: Imagn

There have been six games between these two teams, with Penn State winning five of them. One game was canceled.

Penn State Nittany Lions vs. Kent State Golden Flashes head-to-head results:

• September 5, 2020: Game canceled
• September 15, 2018: Penn State dominated Kent State 63-10
• September 3, 2016: Penn State took the win 33-13
• September 21, 2013: Another shutout for Penn State, winning 34-0
• September 18, 2010: Penn State blanked Kent State 24-0
• September 20, 2003: Penn State triumphed with a 32-10 victory

Penn State has had the upper hand in these previous matchups against Kent State. The latter would be looking for their first win in this rivalry.

Notable records between Penn State Nittany Lions vs. Kent State Golden Flashes

The Penn State Nittany Lions and Kent State Golden Flashes have faced off five times since their first game in 2003. Here’s a quick look at some key moments and records from their history:

Head-to-Head Record:

• Total Games: 5
• Penn State Wins: 5
• Kent State Wins: 0

Kent State Golden Flashes head coach Kenni Burns - Source: Imagn

The most lopsided game came on Sept. 15, 2018, when Penn State won 63-10. Quarterback Trace McSorley shone, scoring five touchdowns and breaking the school record for the most rushing TDs by a quarterback.

Kent State has had a rough stretch lately, with just one win in their last 15 games since the start of the 2023 season.

Who is favored in Penn State Nittany Lions vs. Kent State Golden Flashes?

Penn State is set to face Kent State in their final non-conference game, and the Nittany Lions are heavy favorites. Ranked No. 10, Penn State might be entering Saturday’s 3:30 p.m. ET kickoff at Beaver Stadium as the biggest favorite in the program’s history.

Kent State, according to ESPN's College Football Power Index (FPI), currently sits at the bottom of the FBS rankings, 134th overall, and is projected to win just 1.3 games this season.