Kent State University
University at Buffalo
Flashes Head to Buffalo in Battle of Unbeatens
11/27/2020 10:00:00 AM | Football
NOTES: Kent State | Buffalo
WATCH: CBS Sports Network
LISTEN: Kent State Radio Network
KENT, OHIO- It is a battle of Mid-American Conference unbeatens as Kent State travels up I-90 to Buffalo to take on the Bulls at high noon on Saturday in a game that can be seen on CBS Sports Network.
ABOUT THE MATCHUP
The Bulls and the Golden Flashes enter Saturday with a 3-0 record. Buffalo has knocked off Northern Illinois, Miami and Bowling Green while Kent State has defeated Eastern Michigan, Bowling Green and Akron.
LEADERS OF THE MAC
Saturday's game features two high-powered teams on both sides of the ball. Kent State currently leads the MAC in points per game (52.7), rushing yards per game (299) and passing offense (317). Buffalo is right behind them, averaging over 42 points per game and 244 rushing yards per game.
The Bulls lead the MAC in scoring defense, surrendering just 19 points per game and is second in total defense, allowing 351 yards per game. Kent State ranks fourth in scoring defense (27 ppg) and is second in total defense, allowing 344 yards per game. Both teams can dial up pressure with Kent State leading the MAC with 11 sacks, just ahead of Buffalo (third with seven team sacks). The pressure has allowed both teams to force errant passes, as the teams are tied atop the MAC with three picks through three games.
HISTORY IN THE MAKING
Kent State set numerous records in the Wagon Wheel win on ESPN last Tuesday. The 69 points scored by the Golden Flashes is the most by either team in a Wagon Wheel game and matched a program high initially set in a win over Eastern Michigan in 2004. Additionally, the Flashes eclipsed the 60-point barrier for the second-straight game for the first time in school history and just the third time since 1970 for a MAC school.
The Flashes' 750 yards tied a program record, matching last season's outburst against Bowling Green. The offensive outburst was propelled by Kent State going 11-11 on third down. The Golden Flashes became the first FBS team in over 25 years to convert on every third down with 11 or more attempts. It also allowed the team to have zero punts for the first time in the last 20 years.
REFUSING TO CRUM-BLE
Dustin Crum was a big reason why the Golden Flashes' offense has been so efficient this year. Crum completed his first 17 passes in the win over the Zips and ended up with 452 yards of total offense and five touchdowns. Crum is now completing 75 percent of his passes and averaging 280 yards per game.
RUSHING TO JUDGEMENT
The Golden Flashes have four players with 150+ rushing yards on the season. Three of the four: Marquez Cooper, Bryan Bradford and Dustin Crum have 100-yard rushing games already this season. The fourth, Xavier Williams nearly topped 100 yards with 97 yards against the Zips. As a result, the Golden Flashes are averaging nearly 300 yards on the ground per game (299 to be exact) to lead the MAC.
On the defensive side, the Flashes are fourth in the FBS in sacks, averaging four per game. That's headlined by Brandon Coleman and Kesean Gamble who each have three sacks this season, good for second in the MAC. The duo also are near the top of the Conference in tackles for loss, Kent State as a team is second in the MAC and 14th in the FBS with eight tackles for loss per game.
ABOUT THE BULLS
Buffalo has put up equally gaudy numbers so far this season. The Bulls at least 42 points in each game this season. They have done it with an extremely strong running game and a big-play passing attack.
Everything starts up front for the Bulls, who haven't allowed a sack all season and just over two tackles for loss per game. Both of those marks are tops in the MAC and trail only the Washington Huskies for the top spot in the FBS.
The Bulls have the nation's leading rusher in Jarret Patterson, who is averaging over 170 yards per game and is coming off a 300-yard performance against Bowling Green. Patterson's running mate, Kevin Marks, is averaging over 70 yards per game as well.
Through the air, Kyle Vantrease is averaging 219 yards through the air. He is averaging over 18 yards per completion, second in the FBS and in the MAC. His favorite target has been Antonio Nunn, a big-play receiver averaging over 100 yards per game.
Defensively, Jarret Patterson's twin brother James leads the Bulls with an eight tackle per game average. Malcolm Koonce already has signed on for the Senior Bowl this season, leading the team in sacks (3) and tackles for loss (4) and leads a stout defensive line.
In the secondary, Kadofi Wright leads with six pass breakups so far this season, good for tops in the MAC. Where Buffalo really shines is in forcing fumbles, forcing five and recovering four. Their plus-5 turnover margin leads the MAC.
FOLLOW ALONG
Saturday's game kicks off at noon on CBS Sports with Ed Cohen and Ross Tucker on the call. Fans can also tune into Rob Polinsky on the Kent State Radio Network. Pre-game starts at 11 a.m. You can also follow Kent State football on Twitter @KentStFootball for updates and highlights.
LOOKING AHEAD
Kent State will hit the road again next weekend, traveling to Oxford to take on the Miami Redhawks. CBS Sports will be airing that game as well. Kickoff is also set for noon.
