Kent State University
LIU
Flashes Open Up 2022 Home Slate with Long Island
9/16/2022 12:21:00 PM | Football
KENT- The Golden Flashes open up the 2022 home season on Saturday afternoon with the Long Island University Sharks entering Dix Stadium for a noon kickoff.
Saturday's home open is a Gold Out! Fans are encouraged to sport the best gold Kent State gear. The opener will also be Parents and Family Weekend with a pre-game tailgate set to take place at the Kent State Field House, directly behind Dix Stadium. The tailgate will feature food, games, a DJ and showcases from the Kent State Cheer and Dance teams as well as the Kent State Band. During halftime, the 2022 Varsity "K" Athletics Hall of Fame class, consisting of nine members, will be honored as part of the 43rd induction ceremony on Friday, Sept. 16.
ABOUT THE FLASHES
The Flashes come into Saturday's contest winners of their last nine home games. That streak matches the longest in program history, most recently done from 2011-13. The Flashes are one of 15 teams with a home win streak of nine or more and one of four "group-of-five" teams.
SOUL COLLECTORS
The Kent State defense, under new defensive coordinator Jeremiah Johnson, has taken on the mantra, "the soul collectors". The soul collectors were in full force last Saturday, limiting Oklahoma to only seven yards rushing in the first half. Kent State also became the first "group of five" team to shutout Oklahoma at home in the first quarter since 2013. Leading the defense was linebacker Khalib Johns who recorded six tackles and a pair of sacks on Saturday, winning MAC East Defensive Player of the Week honors for his efforts.
RUSH HOUR
The Flashes have out rushed both Washington and Oklahoma this season, rolling up 164 yards on the Sooners last weekend. That was against a defense that allowed only 28 yards on 31 carries against UTEP in week one.
DANTE'S PEAKING
Dante Cephas has grabbed 10 passes through the first two weeks of the season, giving him 107 receptions in his Kent State career. He is three catches away from moving into 10th place all time at Kent State. Cephas is averaging over 14 yards per catch in his career (and over 15 yards this season) a mark that is third all-time behind Eugene Baker and Najah Pruden at Kent State (minimum 100 receptions).
ABOUT THE SHARKS
Long Island comes into the game at 0-2 on the season. They are no strangers to the Mid-American Conference, having opened the season at Toledo. Derek Green and Luca Stanzani have split time at quarterback this season. The duo has combined to average 150 yards per game and have tossed a pair of touchdowns. On defense, Antwan Spencer has led the team in tackles, averaging 12 per game.
ARRIVING AT DIX STADIUM
Upon arriving at the gates, fans will notice bold new graphics and signage welcoming them to Dix Stadium. The Golden Flashes Club will host Kent State supporters in the newly renovated Jim and Carolyn Phelan Lounge. Student fans will be ushered from the tailgating spaces through the rebranded Gold Zone entrance, featuring gold roadway and enhanced signage to guide them to a larger student fan section.Â
CONCESSION OPTIONS
Concessions will still offer the classics, such as hot dogs, burgers and popular meal deals. Flash fans will be introduced to new menu items including beef brisket sandwiches, garlic fries with parmesan aioli and pretzel wrapped hotdogs. And now fans can even skip the line!  Download the GrubHub App and order from your seat before heading to the main stand to pick up your items! Â
SEATING
New this year, fans in general admission areas can check out a portable chair back seat for a more comfortable game day experience. Rentals begin at just $12 per game and fans can pick up the seats as they pass through the main west entrance.
KNOW BEFORE YOU GO
Fans are encouraged to familiarize themselves with our Dix Stadium game day with our new "Know Before You Go" information guide. Be sure to keep up to date with our Twitter feed @KentStAthletics which will have updated traffic and parking information.
LOOKING AHEAD
The Flashes wrap up the non-con next week, traveling to Georgia to take on the Bulldogs. Kick-off next Saturday is set for noon and can be seen on ESPN +. Kent State is back at home in two weeks for the annual homecoming game vs Ohio on October 1st with a 3:30 p.m. scheduled kickoff.
