Kent State University
Toledo
Flashes Kick-Off MACtion at Toledo on Tuesday
11/4/2019 10:41:00 AM | Football
KENT, OHIO- The Golden Flashes (3-5, 2-2) hit the road and look to snap a two-game slide as they take on the Toledo Rockets (5-3, 2-2) at the Glass Bowl in the first "MAC-tion" game of the year on Tuesday night.
Tuesday's game will be the first of three mid-week games for the Golden Flashes as the Mid-American Conference makes the annual shift to November weekday games.
ABOUT THE GOLDEN FLASHES
The Golden Flashes enjoyed a "mini-bye" of sorts after last playing on October 26th in a tough 23-16 setback at home to Miami. It was the defense that shined in the rain against the Red Hawks. Defensive tackle Dom Hill led the way with three tackles for loss and six total tackles, both career highs. Matthew Trickett eclipsed last year's total of 14 made field goals with three more against Miami. The sophomore leads the MAC in total field goals and is 10-12 in conference play.
REFUSING TO CRUM-BLE
Dustin Crum saw his interception streak come to an end at 193 passes after a diving interception by Miami's Travion Banks ended the impressive run. Crum however is still in elite company as one of five FBS quarterbacks with at least 10 touchdown passes against just one interception. Crum joins Justin Fields (Ohio State), Jake Luton (Oregon State), Tyler Huntley (Utah) and Logan Bonner (Arkansas State) in that elite group.
GROUND AND POUND
Dustin Crum and Will Matthews have formed a formidable rushing duo in conference play. Crum and Matthews are combining for 164.5 yards per game on the ground. That's a big reason why Kent State is second in the conference in rushing offense at 236 yards per game. The ground game will be a major factor in the contest on Tuesday as Toledo is ranked third in rushing at 228 yards per game, led by the conference's leading rusher in Bryant Koback.
SPREADING THE WEALTH
Dustin Crum doesn't have one favorite target when throwing the ball. Kent State and Central Michigan are the only two schools with three wide receivers in the top-10 in the MAC in receiving yards per game. Isaiah McKoy, Kavious Price and Mike Carrigan are all averaging at least 54 yards receiving. That diversity has helped Crum lead the MAC in passing yards per game at over 233 yards per game.
KNIGHT TIME
Qwuantrezz Knight has stepped his game up in conference play. The safety has a nose for the football and is averaging a MAC-best 1.75 tackles for loss per game. His seven TFLs in conference are tied for second-most, despite playing two fewer games than those ahead of him. Knight is averaging nine tackles per game.
ABOUT THE ROCKETS
The Rockets' quarterback situation is still very much up in the air. Quarterbacks Mitchell Guadagni and Carter Bradley both missed the contest against Eastern Michigan. Eli Peters stepped in valiantly and threw for 138 yards and two scores.
Regardless of who lines up under center for the Rockets, stopping their ground game will be pivotal. As mentioned above, Bryant Roback is one of the best backs not only in the conference, but in the nation. The sophomore rolled for 259 yards and two scores in the win over Eastern. The Rockets ran the ball 57 times for 368 yards their last time out.
When they do throw, Danzel McKinley-Lewis and Bryce Mitchell are the main targets, both rank in the top-15 in yards per catch, with each averaging over 20 yards per catch.
Defensively, Samuel Womack is the ball hawk in the secondary. He leads the NCAA with 14 pass breakups, averaging two per game.
FOLLOW ALONG
Tuesday night's game is airing on the CBS Sports Network. Dave Ryan will have the call with former NFL defensive back Corey Chavous providing the analysis. Fans can always check out the radio call on the with Ty Linder, Rob Polinsky and Meghan Donovan on the call, Tuesday's game will be on 640 WHLO and their I Heart Radio Link. Fans can also get in-game updates and highlights on Twitter @KentStFootball.
LOOKING AHEAD
The Flashes stay on their MAC-tion mid-week schedule as they host Buffalo on Thursday, November 14th. Kick-off from Dix Stadium is set for 7 p.m.
