Kent State University
Wisconsin
Flashes Close Out Non-Con at Wisconsin
10/4/2019 10:51:00 AM | Football
KENT, OHIO- The Golden Flashes wrap-up their non-conference slate as they head to Big-10 country and take on the #8 and undefeated Wisconsin Badgers on Saturday afternoon with a noon eastern time scheduled kick-off.
ABOUT THE GOLDEN FLASHES
Kent State is coming off their bye week and should be well-rested and healthy heading into face head coach Sean Lewis' alma mater.
LAST TIME OUT
The Golden Flashes posted their biggest win over Bowling Green since 1935 with a 62-20 triumph over the Falcons. Kent State set a school record with 750 yards of offense and posted exactly 375 yards passing and 375 yards rushing. It's just the ninth time since 2000 that a team has hit those benchmarks in a game.
REFUSING TO CRUM-BLE
Starting quarterback Dusting Crum continues to excel in the QB1 role since taking over in week two. Crum set a career high with 310 yards passing and three touchdowns against the Falcons. Crum completed 26-of-31 passes (83.8%), the best completion percentage for a KSU quarterback since 2015 (min. 20 passes). Crum was rewarded with the MAC East Player of the Week for his efforts.
WITH A BANG-DA
Freshman running back Joachim Bangda has helped form quite the rushing trio with Xavier Williams and Jo-El Shaw. Both Bangda and Shaw topped 100 yards against Bowling Green and the freshman scored his first collegiate touchdown with a 75-yard gallop in the fourth quarter. Collectively, the trio along with Dustin Crum, have paced the Flashes' rushing offense to the tune of 183 yards per game. They will have their work cut out for them as Wisconsin boasts the top rushing defense in the country.
HOME RUN HITTERS
The wide receiver tandem of Mike Carrigan and Isaiah McKoy have provided the big plays in the passing game. McKoy started the season with a touchdown catch in each of the first three games, all over 20 yards including a 53-yard catch at Auburn. Not to be outdone, Carrigan hauled in a 53-yard touchdown pass of his own against BG and had a second called back because of a penalty. McKoy is averaging 16 yards per catch while Carrigan is not far behind at 12 yards per completion.
MAJETTE-STIC
With four sacks, defensive lineman Theo Majette leads the Mid-American conference and he is the only player in the league averaging a sack per game or better. The senior is not just a pass rusher, his 19 stops on the year leads all Kent State defensive linemen.
PARKER PICKS IT
With two picks against BG, Jamal Parker became the first Kent State player to have two interceptions in a game since Demitrius Monday did it in 2017 against Louisville. Parker has thrived against BG in his career, his other two interception game came against BG in 2015.
ABOUT WISCONSIN
The Badgers come into Saturday's contest as the #8 team in the country and are coming off impressive wins over Michigan and Northwestern in Big-10 play. Wisconsin is averaging 42 points a game on offense, sporting a balanced attack of 230 yards rushing and 210 yards passing per game.
Kent State will need to slow down do-everything back Jonathan Taylor. The Heisman hopeful is averaging nearly seven yards per carry and already has eight touchdowns on the year.
The passing game will be led by Jack Coan, who is completing 74 percent of his passes and has five touchdowns against just one interception. Quintez Cephus has been Coan's favorite target, averaging nearly 17 yards per catch including a pair of touchdowns.
While the Wisconsin offense has been impressive, the Badgers' defense has been arguably more impressive, boasting the top rushing and scoring defense in the country through the opening month. The Badgers are allowing just seven points per game on average and shutout their opponent in the first 10 quarters of the season.
Jack Sanborn leads the team with 26 stops through four game with three coming for loss. The biggest disruptor on the defense has been Zack Baun with 6.5 tackles for loss, three sacks and six quarterback hurries. It truly has been a team effort on the defensive side, with nine players posting two tackles for loss or more.
SERIES HISTORY
This is the first meeting between the teams
FOLLOW ALONG
Saturday's game will air on ESPN U and the Watch ESPN app with Clay Matvick, Ryan Leaf and Paul Carcaterra on the call. Fans can also listen on the Golden Flashes Radio Network with Ty Linder, Rob Polinsky and Jacob Pavilack providing the action. You can also follow @KentStFootball on Twitter for highlights and updates.
LOOKING AHEAD
Next Saturday the Golden Flashes return to Mid-American Conference action with the annual "Battle for the Wagon Wheel" with "That School Down the Road". Kick off from InfoCision Stadium is set for 3:30 and will air on ESPN3.
