Kent State University
1-7 , 0-4
Akron
3-3 , 1-2
The Wait for the Wagon Wheel Will Continue
10/20/2018 8:24:00 PM | Football
KENT, Ohio – From sudden changes in weather to numerous momentum shifts, the 2018 version of Wagon Wheel battle had everything one could expect in a rivalry game. But, for Kent State fans, the final result came up one point short in 24-23 overtime loss to Akron Saturday at Dix Stadium.
Trailing by seven points in overtime, sophomore Woody Barrett connected with junior Justin Rankin on a 29-yard touchdown pass, but the Golden Flashes were unable to get their extra point attempt off, giving the Zips a one-point victory.
"Obviously it was a rough one," Head Coach Sean Lewis said. "The kids fought like crazy and it was a tough, emotional rivalry game. I felt like they played tough and competed, but I wish the result was different especially for the seniors that were on the field before the game."
The ability to fight like crazy was evident late in the first half (trailing 10-3) when a Darryl Marshall interception began a string of Kent State's most impressive plays of the game. The Flashes followed with a 76-yard scoring drive in 49 seconds. Antwan Dixon caught a pass for an 18-yard gain, followed by a 37-grab downfield to Mike Carrigan. Kent State called a timeout with seven seconds left and spread the field on the 22 yard line. Barrett stepped back to pass, but quickly saw an opening in the middle of the field and dashed toward the goal line.
"It was an option that he has on that play," Lewis said of Barrett. "And he did a great job of executing that play and knowing he needed to score with seven seconds left."
With the score tied 10-10 at half, the Flashes carried that momentum into the third quarter, scoring on its next drive. Rankin capped a 10-play drive with a 13-yard touchdown run. It was his second multi-touchdown game of the season and his fourth career score against Akron.
Three minutes later, a 55-yard run by Akron's Kato Nelson tied the game at 17-17, where the score stood until overtime.
In the extra period, the Zips scored on a third down pass from the eight yard line. Nelson found Andre Williams for the go-ahead score.
In the first quarter, freshman Matthew Trickett put the Flashes on the board with a 32-yard field goal to close out a 16-play drive. The drive was fueled by a two conversions on fourth down, including one in punt formation. Myles Washington lined up in the backfield in front of the punter, took the snap and tossed the ball to senior Matt Bahr, who made his first career catch.
Junior Derek Adams played for the first time since 2017 and launched a 77-yard punt, tying for the third longest in program history. Later in the second half, he sent 73-yard punt across the field.
Freshman defensive back Jeremiah Salaam, sophomore linebacker Cepeda Phillips and sophomore tight end Adam Dulka all got their first career start. Phillips had a career-high 12 tackles and 10 solo tackles.
The Zips finished 10-of-19 on third down attempts.
Kent State continues with MAC East play Tuesday, Oct. 30 at Bowling Green.
Team Stats
AKRON 7, KENT 0
AKRON - WHITE, Keyondre 1 yd run (GASSER, Nick kick), 7 plays, 56 yards, TOP 2:43
AKRON 7, KENT 3
KENT - TRICKETT, M. 32 yd field goal 16 plays, 60 yards, TOP 5:14
AKRON 10, KENT 3
AKRON - GASSER, Nick 25 yd field goal 12 plays, 66 yards, TOP 5:24
AKRON 10, KENT 10
KENT - BARRETT, WOODY 22 yd run (TRICKETT, M. kick), 5 plays, 76 yards, TOP 0:49
AKRON 10, KENT 17
KENT - RANKIN, JUSTIN 13 yd run (TRICKETT, M. kick), 10 plays, 76 yards, TOP 3:13
AKRON 17, KENT 17
AKRON - NELSON, Kato 55 yd run (GASSER, Nick kick), 5 plays, 75 yards, TOP 1:47
AKRON 24, KENT 17
AKRON - WILLIAMS, Andre 8 yd pass from NELSON, Kato (GASSER, Nick kick) 4 plays, 25 yards, TOP 0:00
AKRON 24, KENT 23
KENT - RANKIN, JUSTIN 29 yd pass from BARRETT, WOODY (CRUM, Dustin rushfailed) 2 plays, 25 yards, TOP 0:00
