Kent State University
University of Toledo
Milestone Meeting: Flashes and Rockets Renew Rivalry for 50th Time
10/17/2025 2:21:00 PM | Football
TOLEDO, Ohio – The Kent State Golden Flashes (2-4, 1-1 MAC) travel to Toledo to face the Rockets (3-3, 1-2 MAC) on Saturday afternoon at the Glass Bowl in the 50th meeting between these Mid-American Conference rivals.
Series History
Toledo holds a 28-21 advantage in the all-time series and has won the last six meetings, including a 52-31 victory in the most recent matchup in 2022.Â
Kent State Looking to Build Momentum
The Golden Flashes enter Saturday's game with renewed confidence after snapping a four-game losing streak with a dominant 42-6 victory over Massachusetts last week. The win provided a much-needed boost following a brutal non-conference stretch that included games at Oklahoma, Florida State, and Texas Tech.
Quarterback Dru DeShields continues to be one of the MAC's most efficient signal-callers, posting a 159.2 passer rating that ranks first in the conference. He's completed 58% of his passes for 790 yards and nine touchdowns in five games, and his 14.63 yards per completion leads the MAC. His ability to create explosive plays downfield will be crucial against Toledo's stout defense.
Wide receiver Cade Wolford has been one of DeShields' primary weapons, hauling in 10 receptions for 242 yards and a team-leading four touchdowns. His 24.2 yards per catch lead the team and is fifth in the nation.
Gavin Garcia has accumulated 254 yards on 75 carries this season, averaging 3.4 yards per attempt. He'll receive support from Jordan Nubin, who returned recently and has 98 yards on 22 carries with one touchdown.
Defensively, Mason Woods and CJ Young lead the team with 37 total tackles each. Jamond Mathis has been disruptive with 3.0 sacks, and the defense must bring consistent pressure against Toledo's balanced attack.
Toledo Presents Formidable Challenge
The Rockets enter as one of the MAC's most balanced teams, ranking first in the conference in multiple categories. Toledo leads the MAC in total offense (440.2 yards per game), rushing offense (204.5 yards per game), and passing offense (235.7 yards per game).
Running back Chip Trayanum has been dominant, rushing for 601 yards and seven touchdowns while averaging 5.8 yards per carry. He leads the conference in rushing yards per game at 100.2 and presents Kent State's defense with its toughest season test.
Quarterback Tucker Gleason has completed 62.84% of his passes for 1,189 yards and eight touchdowns, efficiently managing Toledo's offense. His favorite target is Junior Vandeross III, who has 37 receptions for 480 yards and six touchdowns, leading the MAC in receiving touchdowns.
Defensively, Toledo is equally impressive. The Rockets rank first in the MAC in scoring defense (15.0 points per game), total defense (224.2 yards per game), rushing defense (86.8 yards per game), and passing defense (137.3 yards per game). Linebacker K'Von Sherman leads the unit with 46 total tackles and 7.0 for loss.
Keys to the Game
- Protect DeShields and establish a quick rhythm in the passing game against Toledo's aggressive defense
- Find success on early downs to avoid predictable third-and-long situations
- Contain Trayanum and force Gleason into obvious passing situations
- Win the turnover battle—Kent State cannot afford mistakes against Toledo's opportunistic defense
- Generate pressure on Gleason without sacrificing run defense integrity
The Golden Flashes look to pull off the road upset and earn their first victory over Toledo since 2006. Kickoff is set for 2 p.m. Eastern on ESPN+.
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