Kent State University
Ohio
Flashes Look to Keep Rolling at Ohio
10/18/2019 9:10:00 AM | Football
KENT, OHIO- The Kent State Golden Flashes (3-3, 2-0) look to make it a 3-0 start in MAC play as they head to Athens to take on the Ohio Bobcats (2-4, 1-1) on Saturday for a noon kickoff in a game that can be seen on CBS Sports Network.
LAST TIME OUT
Will Matthews had a career day with 25 carries, 125 yards and a touchdown, Matthew Trickett hit four field goals and the Golden Flashes defense shutout "That School Down the Road" in a 26-3 triumph in the annual rivalry game. The Wagon Wheel headed home for the first time since 2014 and marked the first 2-0 start in conference play since 2012. For the Bobcats, they fell on a last-second field goal at home to the Northern Illinois Huskies, 39-36, dropping them to 2-4 overall and 1-1 in league play. Ohio quarterback Nathan Rourke threw, ran, and caught a touchdown pass in the loss and will be a player to watch for the Bobcat offense.
ABOUT KENT STATE
REFUSING TO CRUM-BLE
Kent State quarterback Dustin Crum has been a steadying force for the Golden Flashes offense. Crum is connecting on 72.2 percent of his passes, a mark that is good for sixth in the NCAA, among qualified quarterbacks. Crum's accuracy has helped keep the offense rolling, the junior currently leads the FBS in consecutive passes without an interception at 153 and counting. Crum has specialized in taking "calculated shots" of his six touchdown passes this season, five of them are 30 yards or longer.
RUNNING DOWN A DREAM
Saturday's game could very well come down to the running game. The Golden Flashes have had three running backs top 100 yards this season, including Will Matthews last weekend. In MAC games, Kent State is averaging over 300 rushing yards per game, while allowing just 125 yards on the ground. Add in Dustin Crum's dual-threat capabilities, the ability to run the ball and stop the run will be pivotal.
THE REAL McKOY
Isaiah McKoy has five catches this year of 20 yards or longer. Four of those "flash plays" have gone for a touchdown. The wide out has made the most of his 28 catches, with 14 of them resulting in either a touchdown or a first down. McKoy has already surpassed his touchdown total from last year and is just 40 yards away from eclipsing his total from 2018.
AT A LOSS
Kent State safety Qwuantrezz Knight is stepping his game up in MAC play. The Maryland transfer is among the MAC's best in tackles for loss, posting a pair in each of the first two games. Knight's ability to get into an opponent's backfield and disrupt the run game has risen to third in the conference against the run in conference play. Teammates Kesean Gamble and Theo Majette are also averaging better than one TFL per game in MAC play and will be leaned upon to help slow down a solid and physical Ohio offense.
ABOUT THE BOBCATS
The Bobcats are one of the most physical and disciplined teams in the FBS and the MAC. They are averaging less than five penalties per game, tops in the MAC.
GROUND AND POUND
The Bobcats' ground game is led by O'Shaan Allison and quarterback Nathan Rourke. Allison is averaging nearly five yards per carry and close to 90 yards a game on the ground in conference play. The Flashes will have to keep an eye on quarterback Nathan Rourke, who in addition to averaging over 200 yards through the air, and over 70 yards per game on the ground.
THREE AND OUT
The Bobcats have been very good at moving the chains this season, ranking 19th in the NCAA in third down conversions. Ohio is picking up third downs at a 48 percent clip and the Flashes ability to keep the Bobcats in third and long situations will be key in getting them off the field.
DON'T KNOCK IT
Ohio return man DL Knock is one of the best return men in the conference. Knock ranks ninth in the nation in total return yards. Knock is averaging nearly 25 yards per kick return and 10 yards per punt return in conference. Derek Adams is one of the very best in limiting punt return yards and Kent State leads the MAC in net punting.
SERIES HISTORY
Ohio leads the all-time series 44-25-2 including the last five. Ohio edged Kent State last year 27-26 at Dix Stadium.
FOLLOW ALONG
Saturday's game was flexed into the CBS Sports Network's noon game where Dave Ryan, Corey Chavous and Angel Gray have the call. Fans can always listen to the Golden Flashes Radio Network with Ty Linder, Rob Polinsky and Jacob Pavilack on the call. Ohio will also have live stats for the game and fans can follow @KentStFootball on Twitter for highlights and updates.
LOOKING AHEAD
Kent State finally returns home after over a month away from Dix Stadium to welcome in the Miami Redhawks. It will be Varsity "K" Hall of Fame day at Dix Stadium. Kick off is set for 3:30 p.m.
