Akron Zips vs. Kent State Golden Flashes: A MACtion Showdown
Akron Zips vs. Kent State Golden Flashes: 2024 MACtion Showdown – A Must-Win for Both Teams
As the 2024 college football season nears its end, mid-week MACtion brings a crucial matchup on Tuesday night between the Akron Zips and Kent State Golden Flashes. Both teams are currently struggling to stay out of the MAC’s basement, making this game a must-win for both programs. Akron is looking to recover after two consecutive losses, while Kent State continues its search for its first victory of the season.
In their previous games, Akron (2-8, 1-5 MAC) was defeated 29-16 by Northern Illinois, though they managed to cover the spread as 14-point underdogs. On the other side, Kent State (0-10, 0-6 MAC) fell 34-7 to Miami (OH), extending their losing streak to 10 games. The Golden Flashes did, however, cover a 30.5-point spread in that contest.
The all-time series between these two teams has seen Akron edge out Kent State 36-28-1, including a hard-fought 31-27 victory in their last meeting on November 1, 2023, at home.
Akron Zips: Struggling to Find Consistency
The Akron Zips have faced a difficult 2024 season so far, as they sit tied for 10th place in the MAC standings. Their most recent loss to Northern Illinois highlighted their ongoing struggles, particularly on offense. Despite holding a slim lead early in the game, Akron faltered defensively and was ultimately outgained 439 to 255 in total offense.
Akron’s offense has been hampered by a lack of balance, ranking 130th in rushing yards (82 per game) and 125th in scoring defense (allowing 35.3 points per game). Their passing game, however, has been a bit more productive, ranking 63rd in the nation with 231.8 yards per contest.
Quarterback Ben Finley has been the team’s main signal-caller, completing 188 of 337 passes for 2,160 yards, 13 touchdowns, and 9 interceptions. He is complemented by a talented receiving corps, including Adrian Norton, who leads the team with 38 catches for 724 yards and 7 touchdowns. However, the Zips have struggled to find consistency in their rushing attack, with Jordon Simmons leading the team with just 551 rushing yards on the season.
Defensively, Akron has had trouble stopping opponents, with the Zips ranking 123rd in scoring defense and struggling against both the run and the pass. Their performance against Northern Illinois showed that they are vulnerable to explosive plays, as they allowed two quick touchdowns in the first quarter and failed to recover.
Kent State Golden Flashes: Searching for Their First Win
The Kent State Golden Flashes are currently enduring a winless 2024 season. Despite showing some early promise, including an early 7-0 lead against Miami (OH), Kent State couldn’t keep up, ultimately losing 34-7. The Golden Flashes were outgained 479 to 183 in total offense and struggled with both passing and rushing. They also saw their defense give up 19 first downs while only earning 15 of their own.
Kent State’s offense has been largely ineffective this season. Ranked 125th in passing (154.7 yards per game) and dead last in rushing (75.6 yards per game), the Golden Flashes are 132nd in scoring offense, averaging just 14.3 points per game. Their defense is even worse, ranking 134th by allowing 44.8 points per game.
Tommy Ulatowski, Kent State’s primary quarterback, has had a rough season, completing 62 of 143 passes for 1,035 yards, 12 touchdowns, and 7 interceptions. Kent State has also seen multiple quarterbacks rotate in this season, including Devin Kargman, who has 432 passing yards and three touchdowns on 45 completions.
The Golden Flashes have struggled to establish a consistent ground game, with Ky Thomas leading the team with just 488 yards and one touchdown. Kent State’s receiving corps has been a bright spot, with Chrishon McCray leading the team with 37 catches for 612 yards and 8 touchdowns, but it hasn’t been enough to mask the team’s overall struggles.
In addition to their on-field troubles, Kent State has been dealt a blow with key injuries to multiple players, including quarterbacks JD Sherrod and Devin Kargman, who are both out for the year, further depleting the team’s depth.
Conclusion
While both teams are struggling this season, Akron seems to have the edge on paper. The Zips’ passing game and overall offensive balance should be enough to defeat Kent State, whose defense has been one of the worst in the nation. However, Kent State is still dangerous on the offensive side of the ball and could surprise Akron if they can execute well.
Ultimately, Akron’s defense will need to improve to secure a win, but the Zips should be able to take advantage of Kent State’s weaknesses and come away with the victory in this mid-week MACtion showdown.
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