Kent State University
University of Toledo
Flashes Head to Toledo to Face West Leading Rockets
10/14/2022 10:00:00 AM | Football
KENT-The Golden Flashes are back on the road again this weekend, heading to Toledo to face the west division leading Toledo Rockets on Saturday afternoon.
The Flashes are coming off a tough 27-24 setback at Miami last weekend. Kent State nearly erased an early Miami lead, making it a one-score game on a pair of occasions but the RedHawks' were able to play keep away in the fourth quarter to preserve the win.
Kent State saw the receiving duo of Dante Cephas and Devontez Walker each cross the 100-yard mark for the second consecutive game. Walker set career highs in receptions (11), yards (159) and touchdowns (2) in the contest. Cephas caught nine passes for 119 yards and a score, crossing the 2,000 receiving yard mark for his career. Cephas and Walker are two of the three MAC receivers with over 500 yards receiving this year and are the only teammates in the FBS that are one-two in receiving yards in their respective conference.
On the defensive side of the ball, linebackers Marvin Pierre and Khali Saunders enjoyed stand-out performances. Pierre recorded a game-high and personal best 13 tackles while Saunders added a personal-best eight tackles and an interception. They will look to continue their strong play against one of the most balanced offenses in the MAC.
The Rockets have averaged 36 points per game this season, tops in the MAC and a number that jumps to 45 points per contest in MAC play. Toledo averages 187 yards on the ground (second in the MAC) and 200 yards per game through the air. Quarterback Dequan Finn is a dual threat who leads the team in rushing and passing. Finn's 368 yards rushing leads the team but the Rockets sport four backs with at least 40 carries on the year. Finn spreads the wealth through the air as well, four receivers have double-digit catches this season with Jerjuan Newton and Jamal Turner each hauling in four touchdown passes.
Toledo also owns one of the best defenses in the MAC, second to Miami in scoring and yardage allowed. Again, balance has been the key to the Rockets' defensive prowess, eight different players have at least two tackles for loss. Desjuan Johnson leads the team with seven tackles for loss while Dallas Gant is not far behind with four and is in the top five in the conference in total tackles.
Saturday's game will kick at 3:30 p.m. and will air on ESPN + and the Kent State Radio Network. The Flashes are back home next weekend for the annual Wagon Wheel showdown. Kick-off next Saturday is set for noon and tickets are on sale now at KSUTix.com.
