Kent State University
University at Buffalo
Flashes Host Buffalo in Saturday Prime Time Match-Up
10/8/2021 12:54:00 PM | Football
KENT, OHIO- Kent State wraps up their two-game home stand this weekend with a primetime Saturday night gold out against the Buffalo Bulls.
Kick-off is set for 7:02 p.m. officially and will air on ESPN U. It is the first time in recent memory that a Saturday Mid-American Conference contest was flexed into a Saturday nighttime slot for ESPN.
It is parents and family weekend as well as the Varsity K Hall of Fame induction ceremony. To celebrate and to raise awareness for pediatric cancer, Kent State will be wearing their gold uniforms and ask fans to "gold out" Dix Stadium.
ABOUT THE GOLDEN FLASHES
Kent State is coming off a workman-like 27-20 victory over Bowling Green in the MAC opener for both teams. The Golden Flashes relied on the MAC's best rushing attack (over 240 yards per game on average) in the homecoming victory. The Flashes pounded out 56 carries for 262 yards and all three scores. Marquez Cooper set career highs in carries (31) and yards (120) against the Falcons. Cooper leads the Flashes' balanced running attack with 367 yards on the season and a 5.0 yards per carry average, both numbers rank in the top-5 in the MAC.
Dustin Crum passed just 28 times against the Falcons and totaled 134 yards on 15 completions. Dante Cephas was the primary target, hauling in six passes for 64 yards. He is the top receiver in a very balanced group, catching 23 passes for 298 yards so far this season.
Defensively, Kent State slowed the Falcons' run game last week, limiting them to just 55 total yards. Despite Jaret Patterson leaving for the NFL, the cupboard is still full for the Bulls' rushing attack. Buffalo averages nearly 190 yards per game on the ground and have a three-horned attack of Kevin Marks, Dylan McDuffie and Ron Cook, all of whom have over 250 yards rushing this season.
It has been strength in numbers for the Kent State defense, 10 players have at least 15 tackles on the season, led by Dean Clark's 34 and nine have at least two tackles for loss, led by A.J. Musolino's 6.5. Musolino had 1.5 tackles for loss and a pick against BG, his 6.5 tackles for loss rank fourth in the MAC.
ABOUT THE BULLS
Buffalo comes into the matchup at 2-3 overall and 0-1 in the MAC after a loss last weekend at home to Western Michigan. They possess a stout defense that has held opponents under 30 points in four of their five games. They possess about as balanced an offense as you can get under first-year head coach Maurice Linguist. The Bulls average 189 yards rushing and 193 yards through the air.
The ground game will be pivotal for both teams in this contest as each team provides depth and variety in the running game. Stow, Ohio native Kyle Vantrease is back under center for the Bulls, and he's completing 61 percent of his passes and has tossed a pair of touchdowns against one interception. The offensive line has been spectacular for the Bulls so far this season, allowing just one sack so far this year
Vantrease's favorite target has been Quian Williams. The Eastern Michigan grad transfer has caught at least two passes in every game and is averaging 93 yards receiving per game.
Defensively, the Bulls are led by James Patterson, his 50 total tackles nearly double anyone else on the defense and is second in the MAC. The Bulls are second in the MAC with 16 sacks this season and are led by Taylor Riggins four on the year. Riggins ranks in the MAC's top five in both sacks and tackles for loss.
KNOW BEFORE YOU GO
As mentioned, it is Parents and Family weekend at Kent State as well as the Varsity K Hall of Fame inductions. As a result, we are expected a large crowd and heavy traffic heading into Dix Stadium. Gates open at 5:30 and fans are encouraged to wear gold, arrive early and purchase tickets in advance of their arrival. Tickets can be purchased here and a digital ticket is both accepted and encouraged. For a complete guide to Dix Stadium, please click here.
FOLLOW ALONG
Saturday's game will air on ESPN U as well as the Kent State Radio Network. Rob Polinsky and Chase Farris will have the call for Kent State with the pre-game show starting at 6 p.m.
LOOKING AHEAD
Kent State will make their second-straight appearance on ESPN U next Saturday as they travel to Kalamazoo to take on Western Michigan. Kick-off is set for 3:30 with the Kent State Radio Network's pre-game show starting at 2:30 p.m.
