As November arrives and winter approaches, the Kent State football team is just hoping to finish the season strong as the Flashes (1-8, 0-5 MAC) travel to Bowling Green to face off with the Falcons on Wednesday night at 8 p.m

“It was tough because we came back and made it a game, but we have to start preparing for a very good Bowling Green team if we want to finish strong.” Kent State coach Paul Haynes said. 

The Flashes are hoping to rebound from last Tuesday’s 20-30 loss at home against the Toledo Rockets. Toledo dominated the Flashes on the ground, and ran for 221 yards on the night.

“It was a disappointing loss, but I can’t say it enough how much I love these guys’ work ethic,” Haynes said. “A team down 30-7, you saw no give up from these guys. I give all these guys credit for talking to each other and keeping guys up.”

Kent State sophomore quarterback Colin Reardon struggled all night against Toledo to the point that he was pulled from the game by his coach. Redshirt freshman Nathan Strock replaced him and gave the Flashes offense a much-need offensive boost. 

Strock came in and produced the Flashes longest play from scrimmage this season on a 65-yard run, and finished the game 9 of 18 passing for 67 yards, two touchdowns and an interception.

“Those guys have been battling in practice,” Haynes said. “I have trust in both guys to execute and play at a high level. You can never have too many quarterbacks.”

In order to pull off an upset against Bowling Green (6-3, 4-1 MAC), Kent State must do a better job of stopping the Falcons rushing attack, a task the team was unable to accomplish in last week’s loss to Toledo.

“These guys are so talented,” senior wide receiver Chris Humphrey said. “When they realize how great they really are, it’s going to be unbelievable. You got Wayne Scott, Reno Reda, James Brooks, Chris White, Ernie Calhoun, Colin Reardon, Nathan Strock. They have all the talent, all the tools, and when they realize how good they are, it’s going to be an unbelievable change of events. I hope this senior class can put their name to that, but in the future, these guys are going to be really good.”

“Bowling Green will look to knock the Flashes off and win its second consecutive game, and better position themselves for a MAC title. The Falcons went to Akron and defeated the Zips last Tuesday, 27-10. 

Wednesday’s game is scheduled to start shortly after 8 p.m. and can be seen on ESPN 2.

Contact Taylor Rosen at [email protected].