Kent State University
Miami University (OH)
Flashes Welcome in Miami to Open MAC Play
9/29/2023 12:51:00โฏPM | Football
KENT- The Golden Flashes return home and open up Mid-American Conference play welcoming in the Miami University RedHawks for a 2:30 p.m. kick inside Dix Stadium.
Saturday's game will air on ESPN+ with Michael Reghi and Jerod Cherry providing the call.
Fans can always tune into the Kent State Radio Network and 1220 AM WHKW and listen to Rob Polinsky, Tom Evans and Dane Richardson. Streaming links are available on the football schedule page and inside the GoFlashes app.
ABOUT THE REDHAWKS
Miami comes into the contest at 3-1 and have won three straight including a 62-20 triumph over Delaware State last weekend. Their offense is paced by Brett Gabbert, the younger brother of NFL quarterback Blaine. Gabbert is currently second in the MAC in passing, averaging 211 yards per game through the air and has nine touchdown passes through four games. His favorite target is Gage Larvadain. The transfer leads the MAC by over 200 yards with 438 receiving yards this season and has averaged 24 yards per catch.
Defensively, linebacker Matt Salopek leads the defense and is one of the top tacklers in the MAC and averages nearly 10 stops per game. The RedHawk secondary is led by Jayden Williams and Yahsyn McKee, who are both in the top-5 in pass breakups in the MAC.
ABOUT THE FLASHES
Kent State returns home where the Flashes have won 13 of 15 including a 38-10 triumph over Central Connecticut State in week two. Gavin Garcia leads the Flashes' offense and ranks third in the MAC in rushing at 72 yards per game. Trell Harris has emerged as one of the go-to receivers in the MAC, ranking second in the conference with 233 yards so far this season.
Devin Nicholson leads the defense, averaging over seven stops per game and ranks in the top-5 with 19 solo stops this season. The Flashes' secondary has been a team effort, ranking second in the MAC with four interceptions, from four different players. Nick Giacolone and CJ West are tied for second in tackles for loss with three solo stops behind the line and will look to disrupt the Miami offense on Saturday.
SATURDAY FESTIVITIES
Saturday will be the annual Parents and Family Weekend game at Kent State. Those that register receive a belt bag, can join the pre-game tailgate and halftime dessert social. Full information and registration is available here.
It is also high school band day with area bands playing alongside the Marching Golden Flashes throughout the game and at halftime.
There will also be a pre-game youth cheer and dance clinic. Aspiring young cheerleaders and dancers ages 12 or younger, can sign up for the pre-game at KentStateCamps.com and the Cheer and Dance social media pages. The camp is $25 and will be in the Kent State Field House, located adjacent to Dix Stadium. Registration includes the camp and a game ticket for the camper.
It is a NAVY out as all fans are encouraged to wear their Kent State navy blue for the game. The first 500 students will get a pair of custom KentGRIT sunglasses. It will also be Scout Day and Faith, Family and Football day for our group outings.
A full listing of the day's events can be found here. All fans attending Saturday's game are encouraged to read the Dix Stadium Know Before You Go and familiarize yourself with the Dix Stadium policies and procedures.
LOOKING AHEAD
The Flashes head back on the road for the next two weeks of MAC play. First up is a trek to Athens to take on the Ohio Bobcats. Kick-off from Peden Stadium is set for 3:30 p.m.
