Flashes and Redhawks Clash for MAC East Title on Saturday
11/26/2021 12:47:00 PM | Football
KENT, OHIO- The Golden Flashes will play for their first Mid-American Conference East Division title since 2012 this Saturday as they welcome in the Miami Redhawks to Dix Stadium for a noon kick off on ESPN +.
Both Kent State and Miami are 6-5 overall and 5-2 in the Mid-American Conference. The winner of Saturday's showdown represents the East against West champion Northern Illinois next Saturday in Detroit.
ABOUT THE GOLDEN FLASHES
The Golden Flashes are coming off a 38-0 blanking of the Zips in the annual Wagon Wheel rivalry game. It was Kent State's first shutout since 2009, first road shutout since 1974 and first shutout in the rivalry game since 1949. Kent State was in the defensive backfield all game long, posting six sacks and eight tackles for loss. It's the most sacks in a game for the Kent State defense since 2017. The Flashes will look to replicate the havoc they wreaked last Saturday, but the Redhawks have allowed just 12 sacks through seven conference games so far this season.
Offensively, the Flashes rushed for over 400 yards for the second time this season, amassing 410 yards on the ground last weekend. This weekend it will be the unstoppable force versus the immovable object. Kent State is averaging 245 yards on the ground in conference play and 242 yards on the ground this season, good for third in the FBS. Miami's rush defense is allowing just 94 yards per game in MAC play, over 60 yards better than the next best defense. In MAC play, only Bowling Green topped 150 or more yards and only Army and Cincinnati topped 200 yards on the ground.
The Flashes threw for just 66 yards in the win over the Zips, the fewest in a win since 2002. Despite that outlier, the Flashes still average 249 yards through the air. Quarterback Dustin Crum is just two touchdown passes from 50 in his career, he'd be just the second Kent State quarterback to cross that career mark, joining Jose Davis. Other milestones to watch for include Dante Cephas closing in on 1000 yards receiving (57 yards away) and Marquez Cooper zeroing in on 1000 yards on the ground (51 yards away).
ABOUT THE REDHAWKS
Miami comes into Saturday winners of two straight including a 34-7 win over Bowling Green last week. They own the top scoring defense in the MAC, allowing only 19 points per game. That defense is led by several stout defenders, most notably Kameron Butler. The defensive lineman has 10.5 tackles for loss and six sacks in MAC play, both top-5 numbers in the conference.
Offensively, Miami has the top passing offense in conference play, led by Brett Gabbert. The quarterback is averaging nearly 290 yards through the air per game and owns a 15-2 touchdown to interception ratio. The duo of Jack Sorenson and Mac Hippenhammer are one of the best in the MAC. Sorenson leads the MAC at over 135 yards per game. It's a balanced rushing attack as well for Miami with four backs over 200 yards for the season.
SENIOR SATURDAY
Kent State will be honoring the 2021 senior class on Saturday for the entire football program. Fans are encouraged to get to the stadium early for the pre-game ceremony.
TICKET SPECIALS
Fans will enjoy day of ticket specials including a buy one/get one offer. It is also youth day with any elementary school kid getting in free when they wear their jersey or uniform to the game.
Fans can also get FREE tickets to the game by watching this week's edition of Flash Talk, posted below. Simply email athletictickets@kent.edu with this week's secret code OR Coach Lew's go-to Thanksgiving food and a pair of tickets will be waiting at will call.
FOLLOW ALONG
Saturday's game will air on ESPN + as well as the Kent State Radio Network with Rob Polinsky, Tom Evans and Tyler Henry on the call. The pre-game show on the Kent State Radio Network starts at 11. Fans can also get updates and highlights by following @KentStFootball on Twitter.
