Flashes' Fast Start Not Enough in Homecoming Setback

Saturday, October 21

Kent, Ohio

3:30 PM

Kent State University

1-7 , 0-4

University at Buffalo

3-5 , 3-1

1st

2nd

3rd

4th

Buffalo

Kent St.

Photo by: Scott R. Galvin/Galvin Photo, LLC

Flashes' Fast Start Not Enough in Homecoming Setback

10/21/2023 7:52:00 PM | Football

Box Score

KENT- The Golden Flashes got off to a quick start on homecoming, but it wasn't enough in a 24-6 setback against Buffalo on Saturday afternoon at Dix Stadium.

Kent State scored on two of its first three possessions as Andrew Glass drilled a pair of 37-yard field goals to stake the Flashes to a 6-0 lead. The Flashes put together a nine-play, 60-yard drive midway through the first quarter to score the first points of the game. Stephen Daley then kept his concentration on a deflected ball and the defensive lineman came away with the pick to give the offense a short field on the ensuing Buffalo possession. The pick led to Glass' second field goal and moved him into sole possession of second place with 48 career field goals.

The Bulls would score touchdowns on the next two drives to grab the lead heading into the second quarter. The Flashes again put together a solid drive into Buffalo territory, but a Tommy Ulatowski pass was batted at the line and intercepted, turning the Flashes away empty handed. It would be 14-6 Buffalo heading into the half.

Neither team could move the ball much in the second half as the defenses took over. Bryce Sheppert led the defensive charge with a career-best 11 stops, including 10 solo and a quarterback hurry. Devin Nicholson and CJ Harris each had multiple tackles for loss with Harris ending a Buffalo drive with a third-down stop behind the line. Josh Smith continued his strong punting, averaging 43 yards on eight punts on Saturday with a long of 53.

Jaylen Thomas got the bulk of the carries on Saturday and continued his strong play with 65 yards to lead the Flashes. Chrishon McCray, the MAC's leading receiver entering the day, led the Flashes with 52 yards receiving on a game-high five grabs.

Kent State now sits at 1-7 overall and 0-4 in MAC play while Buffalo is 3-5 on the year and 3-1 in conference. The schedule now shifts to mid-week MACtion as the Flashes will be off next weekend in preparation for the Wagon Wheel rivalry game on Wednesday, November 1^st. Kick-off will either be at 7 or 7:30 p.m.