Kent State University
1-2 , 0-0
Central Connecticut State University
1-2 , 0-1
Burns Gets First Win in Dominant Fashion
9/16/2023 4:32:00โฏPM | Football
KENT- The Golden Flashes used a balanced effort and suffocating defense to give head coach Kenni Burns his first win as a head coach in a 38-10 victory over Central Connecticut State on Saturday afternoon at a raucous Dix Stadium.
Kent State scored the game's first 38 points and were paced by a career day for running back Gavin Garcia. The sophomore racked up 125 yards and two touchdowns, leading a rushing attack that rolled up nearly 300 yards on Saturday.
The running game opened the door for an efficient passing game for Michael Alaimo. The redshirt junior was 12-for-16 for 172 yards and a touchdown through the air and another on the ground. His chemistry with Trell Harris continued to blossom on Saturday as the sophomore had a game-high 94 yards, highlighted by a 40-yard touchdown on the second drive of the game.
That was more than enough for a Kent State defense that swarmed the Blue Devils all game long. The Flashes held CCSU to only 153 yards of total offense, 83 of which came with the game out of hand in the fourth. Kent State totaled 11 tackles for loss, led by two each for Nick Giacolone and CJ West. Khali Saunders and Jalani Williams each had interceptions. Both turnovers directly led to points on Saturday afternoon
The win moves Kent State to 1-2 on the season and have won 13 of their last 15 inside Dix Stadium. Next week, the Flashes head out west to close out the non-conference season at Fresno State. Kick-off from the Golden State is set for 10:30 pm ET/ 7:30 pm PT.
Team Stats
CCS 0, KSU 7
KSU - Garcia,Gavin 2 yd run (Glass,Andrew kick), 12 plays, 76 yards, TOP 04:56
CCS 0, KSU 14
KSU - Harris,Trell 40 yd pass from Alaimo,Michael (Glass,Andrew kick) 8 plays, 67 yards, TOP 03:20
CCS 0, KSU 21
KSU - Garcia,Gavin 25 yd run (Glass,Andrew kick), 3 plays, 44 yards, TOP 00:57
CCS 0, KSU 28
KSU - Alaimo,Michael 3 yd run (Glass,Andrew kick), 7 plays, 64 yards, TOP 03:05
CCS 0, KSU 31
KSU - Glass,Andrew 24 yd field goal 6 plays, 56 yards, TOP 02:53
CCS 0, KSU 38
KSU - Thomas,Jaylen 23 yd run (Hryszko,Will kick), 7 plays, 94 yards, TOP 02:43
CCS 3, KSU 38
CCS - Barnum,Jack 22 yd field goal 6 plays, 18 yards, TOP 02:13
CCS 10, KSU 38
CCS - Ortega,Ricky 17 yd run (Barnum,Jack kick), 13 plays, 72 yards, TOP 06:57
