Kent State falls 26-19 to Ohio

The Kent State football team performed poorly on special teams again this week, losing to Ohio 26-19 at Dix Stadium.

The Flashes’ kickers missed two extra points and gave up one blocked field goal in the loss.

Kent State football coach Doug Martin said the Flashes need to learn how to win.

“We just seem to find a different way to screw it up each week,” Martin said. “Today it was the kickers.”

Junior kicker Nate Reed missed the first extra point of the game, and was replaced by sophomore Will Kandray on field goals and extra points. Kandray went 1-for-2 on extra points and had his only field goal attempt blocked.

The Flashes lost the game despite out gaining the Bobcats in total offense 392-379, the third time this year Kent State has lost when gaining more offense than its opponent.

Senior wide receiver Shawn Bayes led the team in receiving in the game with a season high 141 yards, including an 82-yard touchdown reception in the second quarter to put the team within one point at 14-13.

Julian Edelman led the team in rushing with 136 yards and two touchdowns, but he also threw two interceptions.

Edelman said the team cannot blame the special teams unit for the last two close home losses because the offense should be more effective at scoring.

“As an offensive unit you can never blame special teams,” Edelman said. “What would you rather do, kick a field goal or score a touchdown?”

Ohio junior quarterback Boo Jackson went 16-for-26 passing with 203 yards and one interceptions.

Ohio sophomore running back Eugene Jarvis returned to the Flashes after missing three games, but only rushed for 50 yards on 14 carries.

Freshman running back Donte Harden paced the Bobcats with 115 yards in the game and an average of 5 yards per carry.

“Both teams fought hard,” Martin said. “For whatever reason we just don’t finish games very well. We didn’t finish this one today.”

The Flashes return to action in two weeks with a game at Miami.