Kent State University
Ball State University
Flashes Welcome in Ball State to Kick-Off MACtion
10/31/2022 2:54:00 PM | Football
KENT-The Golden Flashes kick-off the MACtion of the schedule, hosting Ball State on Tuesday night with a 7 p.m. kick-off inside of Dix Stadium.
The Flashes will be going for the 13th straight win at Dix Stadium, a streak that dates to the 2019 MACtion portion of the schedule. Kent State is one of 12 FBS teams to have an active home streak of 11 or more.
Devin Kargman made his first collegiate start the last time out, a 33-27 Wagon Wheel rivalry win. He was the first true freshman to get a start since the 2016 season. His favorite target was Devontez Walker, who became the first Golden Flash to have two receiving touchdowns and a rushing touchdown in the same game.
On the ground, Bryan Bradford ripped off a 59-yard touchdown run, the longest of his career and Marquez Cooper topped 100 yards once again. Coop totaled 137 yards in the rivalry game and is now averaging over 105 yards per contest. Cooper has 2,332 career yards, good for 25th on the active rushing list and 9th all time at Kent State.
The soul collector defense recorded seven sacks, by six different players. It is the most sacks in a game for Kent State since they recorded seven against the Zips in the 2021 Wagon Wheel game.
The Cardinals come into the contest at 4-4 and 2-2 in the MAC and are fresh off a one-point loss to Eastern Michigan, 20-16. They have been a hard team to keep down as three of their four wins have come after trailing by 10 or more points this season.
The Cardinals feature running back Carson Steele, who has see-sawed back and forth with Marquez Cooper for the rushing lead in the MAC. Steele has the slight edge on Cooper in total yards as well as per game average, clocking in at a shade over 111 yards per game.
Under center, the Cards have turned to John Paddock, who had completed two collegiate passes coming into this season but is averaging 25 per game this season. He has two veteran wide outs to throw to in Jayshon Jackson (20 starts) and Yo'Heinz Tyler (29). Both have an active streak of 33 games played with at least one reception.
It will likely be a race to 30 points. In the last seven seasons, the first team to reach 30 points is 90-4 in the Mid-Week MACtion games (stat courtesy of Ball State). The Flashes have fared well in MACtion games under Sean Lewis, going 8-4 overall and 7-2 since 2019.
Tuesday's game will air on ESPN U and the Kent State Radio Network and will officially kick off the MACtion part of the schedule for the Mid-American Conference. Fans will see a variety of Halloween themed contests and are encouraged to wear their costume for the game. Best Damn Smoked Meats will also be on hand to sell pork tacos pre-game and there is a Bud Light $2 happy hour from 6 to 7 p.m.
MACtion continues next week for the Flashes as they get eight days off prior to facing Bowling Green on the road next Wednesday. Kick-off is also set for 7 p.m.
