Kent State University
1-0 , 1-0
Eastern Michigan University
0-1 , 0-1
Golden Flashes Secure #MACtion Victory Over Eagles
11/4/2020 10:04:00 PM | Football
KENT, Ohio – The Kent State football team (1-0, 1-0 MAC) took down the Eastern Michigan Eagles (0-1, 0-1 MAC), 27-23, in the season opener at Dix Stadium on Wednesday night.
Kent State won their fifth consecutive game dating back to the 2019 season. The five-game win streak marks the longest win streak by the Flashes since the magical 2012 season.
The Golden Flashes used a game-winning touchdown pass from Dustin Crum to Mark Williams with 7:31 remaining to pick up their first victory in the 2020 campaign. The go-ahead touchdown was the first career score by the redshirt sophomore.
Kent State shot out to a 7-0 lead on a fourth down touchdown pass from Crum to Isaiah McKoy. The 26-yard strike was one of eight receptions by McKoy. The junior wide receiver led the Flashes in receptions and receiving yards (104). This marked the fifth time in McKoy's career he put up 100+ receiving yards.
After trading scores with EMU, Xavier Williams took off for a 33-yard touchdown scamper to put the Flashes up 20-9 at the half.
The Eagles scored 14 unanswered points and took the lead 23-20 in the fourth quarter. A key third down penalty by EMU extended the Kent State drive which led to the game-winning touchdown pass.
Junior safety Jeremiah Salaam snagged his first career interception to give the ball back to Crum and the offense to run out the clock.
Crum was impressive in his season debut. The preseason all-MAC quarterback completed 72 percent of his passes and threw for 219 yards and two touchdowns. He added another 35 yards on the ground.
A true backfield by committee saw three Golden Flashes rush for 50 or more yards. Redshirt freshman Bryan Bradford paced the running backs with 72 yards. True freshman Marquez Cooper ran for 58 yards and redshirt junior Xavier Williams scurried for 55 yards and one score.
The Flashes defense was led by Mandela Lawrence-Burke, who totaled 12 tackles including a career-high eight solo tackles. Kesean Gamble was also a force on the defensive side of the ball. He tallied a career-high three tackles for loss.
Redshirt freshman Dean Clark had a career night, posting seven total tackles and his first career interception.
Kent State travels to Bowling Green on Tuesday, Nov. 10, to take on the Falcons in a MAC East rivalry matchup before hosting TSDTR on Tuesday, Nov. 17, with hopes to keep the Wagon Wheel in Kent for another year.
For more in-depth coverage on the Golden Flashes, follow Kent State Football on Twitter and Instagram and visit kentstatesports.com.
Team Stats
EMU 0, KENTST 7
KENTST - MCKOY, Isaiah 26 yd pass from CRUM, Dustin (PHILLIS, Seth kick) 11 plays, 79 yards, TOP 4:17
EMU 0, KENTST 13
KENTST - CRUM, Dustin 1 yd run (PHILLIS, Seth kickfailed), 8 plays, 58 yards, TOP 2:05
EMU 3, KENTST 13
EMU - RYLAND, Chad 34 yd field goal 9 plays, 43 yards, TOP 3:26
EMU 9, KENTST 13
EMU - ODUKOYA, Thomas 5 yd pass from HUTCHINSON, P. (RYLAND, Chad kickfailed) 6 plays, 74 yards, TOP 2:28
EMU 9, KENTST 20
KENTST - WILLIAMS, Xav. 33 yd run (PHILLIS, Seth kick), 6 plays, 73 yards, TOP 2:06
EMU 15, KENTST 20
EMU - HUTCHINSON, P. 1 yd run (SMITH, DJ rushfailed), 10 plays, 69 yards, TOP 3:38
EMU 23, KENTST 20
EMU - ODUKOYA, Thomas 3 yd pass from HUTCHINSON, P. (WRIGHT, Donivan pass) 4 plays, 55 yards, TOP 1:59
EMU 23, KENTST 27
KENTST - WILLIAMS, Mark 9 yd pass from CRUM, Dustin (PHILLIS, Seth kick) 11 plays, 75 yards, TOP 4:24
