The Kent State football team hosted the Howard Bison for the Flashes’ home opener at Dix Stadium.

On the first possession of the game, Kent forced a three-and-out and received starting field possession at the Howard 38-yard line. 

On Kent State’s first play from scrimmage, quarterback Nick Holley ran for a 38-yard touchdown to put the Flashes on top 7-0.

After the Flashes forced another punt, Holley threw a 25-yard passing touchdown to running back Justin Rankin to put Kent State up 14-0.

Howard answered with a 77-yard scoring drive highlighted by a 75-yard pass from quarterback Caylin Newton to wide receiver Jequez Ezzard. A 16-yard touchdown pass from Newton to wide receiver Kyle Anthony cut the lead 14-7.

Holley led the Flashes down the field when he threw a 25-yard touchdown pass to slot receiver Raekwon James. It was James’ first career touchdown catch. The Flashes took a 21-7 early in the second quarter.

Howard then cut the deficit once again after a 75-yard touchdown run by Anthony Philyaw. Philyaw was untouched on the play and it made the lead for Kent State 21-14 into the half. 

Opening up the second half, Howard stopped the Flashes, then kicked a 23-yard field goal to make it 21-17. 

After a few possessions back and forth, the Bison attempted to punt out of their own end zone when the long snapper put a ball over the punter’s head and through the back of the end zone for a safety.

The Flashes extended the lead to 23-17.

The Bison relentlessly answered once again with a one-yard touchdown run by Newton to put Howard on top for the first time 24-23. 

Kent State roared back when Kesean Gamble rushed in a touchdown from a yard out. Holley added a two-point conversion with his legs to make it 31-24.

The Flashes capitalized on a Howard turnover, and Kesean Gamble rushed for another touchdown from the 3-yard line. The Flashes led 38-24.  

Newton once again responded with a touchdown run from four yards out to cut the lead to 38-31. 

The Flashes held on to the lead and took the victory 38-31. 

Scott Lendak is a sports reporter. Contact him at [email protected]