In its second consecutive game against a highly ranked, historically dominant program, the Kent State football team was swiftly defeated, losing 44-0 to the Oklahoma Sooners. This marks the end of non-conference play this season for the Flashes.
KSU now holds a record of 1-4 (0-1) after losing its last four games. The No. 5 Sooners now move to 5-0 (1-0), one win shy of being bowl eligible for the 27th consecutive season.
Redshirt junior quarterback Devin Kargman, the opening day starter for the Flashes in 2024, started the game for KSU instead of redshirt sophomore quarterback Dru DeShields. The reason for this was to keep DeShields healthy for regularly scheduled Mid-American Conference play, which begins next week.
Although the Sooners were without redshirt junior quarterback John Mateer, sophomore Michael Hawkins filled in nicely for the Heisman Trophy candidate, completing 14 passes on 24 attempts for 162 yards and three touchdowns. Hawkins also tacked on 33 rushing yards and one rushing score.
The KSU offense was unable to generate any momentum against Oklahoma, as all drives ended in punts or turnovers. The Flashes only had one drive last over five minutes long.
To open the second half, the Flashes fumbled the ball and then threw an interception two drives later.
The Sooners’ offense, although it scored only 44 points, did its job and continued its early-season success. Redshirt junior wide receiver Isaiah Sategna continued his strong start to the season with another multi-score game, catching four balls for 75 yards and two touchdowns.
For the Flashes, KSU receivers struggled to make plays from the opening drives, as the Flashes’ leading receiver was redshirt freshman Wayne Harris with three catches for 18 yards.
Freshman quarterback Deante Ruffin made his collegiate debut for the Flashes in Saturday’s contest against the Oklahoma Sooners. Ruffin went 2-3 for 44 passing yards.
The Flashes will return to the friendly confines of Dix Stadium Saturday for their homecoming game against the University of Massachusetts Minutemen.
Gage Wellman is a reporter. Contact him at [email protected] or @GageWellmanKSTV on X.