Sellout likely as Kent State football looks for homecoming win against Western Michigan
Kent State running back Dri Archer escapes from Ball State player Jeffery Garrett during the Sept. 29 game at Dix Stadium. The Flashes won the game against the Cardinals 45-43. Photo by BRIAN SMITH.
National FBS Ranking
Passing
Kent St.: 110th (180.5 ypg)
WMU: 39th (263.7 ypg)
Rushing
Kent St.: 27th (215.3 ypg)
WMU: 69th (161.1 ypg)
Points per game
Kent St.: 48th (32.5 ppg)
WMU: 59th (29.3 ppg)
Opp. points per game
Kent St.: 54th (24.8 ppg)
WMU: 58th (25.4 ppg)
Kent State is poised to become bowl eligible for the first time in 39 years, and it’s right around the midpoint of the season. It has been a historical start for the Flashes, and fans are rushing to the ticket stands for a chance to see the team in action.
The Flashes host the Western Michigan University Broncos in the annual homecoming game starting 3:30 p.m Saturday at Dix Stadium.
Tickets are selling fast for the game, and head coach Darrell Hazell said he expects strong energy from the crowd when the Flashes kick off Saturday afternoon.
“I think [a sellout] will happen,” Hazell said. “It would be really nice. We’ve had great crowds this season, and the players feed off the energy and excitement of those crowds. It’s going to be a great atmosphere, and our guys will be fired up and ready to go.”
A crowd of 21,657 was in attendance during Kent State’s last home game Sept. 29, when the Flashes pulled off a last-second 45-43 victory over Ball State.
Junior linebacker Luke Batton said he thinks there will be a crowd similar to the one that watched Kent State defeat Akron at Dix Stadium two years ago.
“It was one of the more fun games I’ve been a part of,” Batton said. “I feel like that’s what it’s going to be like on Saturday — a beautiful day and a sellout crowd.”
Stats Comparison
QBs
Spencer Keith (Flashes): 78-140, 849 yards, 5 TDs, 2 INTs
David Fisher (Flashes): 12-20, 210 yards, 1 TD, 1 INT
Alex Carder (Broncos)*: 97-161. 1,049 yards, 8 TDs, 5 INTs
Tyler Van Tubbergen (Broncos): 74-120, 797 yards, 7 TDs, 6 INTs
Running backs
Dri Archer (Flashes): 58 carries, 625 yards, 10.8 avg, 6 TDs
Trayion Durham (Flashes): 125 carries, 525 yards, 4.2 avg, 6 TDs
Dareyon Chance (Broncos): 99 carries, 558 yards, 5.6 avg, 2 TDs
Brian Fields (Broncos): 52 carries, 314 yards, 6.0 avg, 2 TDs
*Injured, will miss Saturday’s game
Junior safety Luke Wollet also played in the Kent versus Akron game, two years ago, in front of a sold-out crowd, and Wollet said it was something he’ll never forget.
“I’m looking for that kind of memory this weekend.” Wollet said. “Last year we started 1-6, and it was hard to get 200 people in the stands. Now we’re 5-1, and we’re really excited that people want to be a part of it. We’re grateful for that.”
Preparing for the Broncos
Western Michigan holds a record of 3-4 this season, including a 0-3 start in road games. Hazell said despite their inconsistency, the Broncos will pose a formidable challenge to the Flashes.
“They throw the ball extremely well,” Hazell said. “They like to use a lot of different formations and give you fits. They were a bowl team last year, so we have to come out and execute on all three phases of our game.”
The Broncos are without senior quarterback Alex Carder, who injured his finger during a game against Connecticut on Sept. 22. Junior quarterback Tyler Van Tubbergen has started the last three games for the Broncos.
The Flashes will look to continue their success in their running game, led by the combination of junior Dri Archer and sophomore Trayion Durham. Kent State is fifth in the Mid-American Conference in total rushing yards with 1,292 yards.
Tiggle out with knee injury
Junior safety Calvin Tiggle will miss an undisclosed amount of games after injuring his knee last week against the Army Black Knights.
Keys to victory:
1. Fast start: Kent State has yet to allow an opponent to score in the first quarter of games this season, while Western Michigan has given up a total of 55 points in the opening quarter. The Flashes will try to continue that trend and strike early and often against the Broncos.
2. Defend the pass: The Flashes have struggled at times with their pass defense, giving up an average of 230.5 yards per game. Against the Broncos, a team that focuses primarily on their passing game, the defensive secondary will need to stay focused and limit Western Michigan’s offensive attack.
3. Keep Archer going: Teams are beginning to kick away from Dri Archer on kickoffs, but coach Hazell has still found different ways to get Archer the ball on offense. Archer threw his first career touchdown pass last week against Army, so look for the Flashes to use more creative ways to keep Archer involved.
4. One game at a time: Hazell said he likes the way the players are handling their success this year, but he said the team can’t look too far ahead. The Flashes are 3-0 this season against MAC opponents and hold first place in the MAC East Division. With key games coming up against Bowling Green, Miami (OH) and currently-undefeated Ohio, the Flashes need to concentrate on Western Michigan before beginning preparation for their future opponents.
Hazell said Tiggle underwent an MRI Monday, but had yet to speak with the trainers about the extent of the injury. Hazell added that Tiggle will be reassessed after Saturday’s game.
Freshman safety Jordan Italiano is expected to start in place of Tiggle, and Wollet said he feels Italiano is prepared for the opportunity.
“He knows what he’s doing, and he’s really proven himself throughout all the practices,” Wollet said. “It’s an exciting opportunity for him. Calvin will be missed, but I think Jordan can do the job.”
Contact Tim Dorst at [email protected].