Kent State University
Akron
Kent State Looks to Reclaim Victory in Wagon Wheel Rivalry
11/18/2024 4:00:00 PM | Football
KENT - The Golden Flashes will look to reclaim the Wagon Wheel as they face the rival Akron Zips at Dix Stadium on Tuesday night.
Kick-off is set for 7:00 p.m. and will air on CBS Sports Network. Fans can also tune into the Kent State Radio Network as Rob Polinsky and Tom Evans will have the call with the pre-game show starting at 6:30 p.m.
The unique rivalry trophy is a nod to John Buchtel who in 1870 was looking for a place to start a university in northeast Ohio. In a swampy bog, Buchtel's wagon wheel snapped after getting stuck in the mud. Buchtel went on to found Buchtel College (now Akron). In 1945, Kent State dean Raymond Manchester found and donated the wheel to serve as the rivalry trophy for the school. The wheel is painted the colors of the winning school and displayed in a neutral location behind one of the end zones during the game.
Offensive lineman Tony Georges switched sides in the rivalry during the offseason and has started at the center position each of the past seven games for the Golden Flashes. The redshirt senior played in 33 games and made 19 starts for the Zips from 2021-23.
Kent State has been among the most disciplined teams in the country, ranking 2nd among FBS teams in fewest penalty yards per game (30.20) and 6th in fewest penalties per games (4.20).
Wide receiver Chrishon McCray caught his 8th TD of the season on the opening possession of last week's game at first-place Miami. McCray is tied for 7th on Kent State's all-time receiving TDs list with 12 in only 20 career games. In his first Wagon Wheel Game last November, McCray helped the Flashes build a 27-10 lead with 6 catches for 161 yards and 2 scores before suffering a season-ending injury on the second possession of the third quarter. The offense totaled just 22 yards the rest of the night as Akron scored 21 unanswered in the fourth quarter for the come-from-behind victory.
Following Tuesday, Kent State will finish their season on Nov. 26 on the road against the University at Buffalo. Kickoff is scheduled for 7:00 p.m.
