Flashes face Falcons in MAC East showdown
The Kent State football team is trying to prove that its 16-14 upset over Miami will not be the highlight of another one-win season.
“It felt good to win,” senior defensive lineman Daniel Muir said. “But we want to win again. And we know how hard we worked and how hard we prepared last week to win a game. So we know what we have to do every single week.”
Muir added the thrill of the Miami victory is over.
“Everybody on the team made a commitment,” Muir said. “After the win, we were going to soak it up that night and enjoy it. But when we came to practice on Sunday and we watched the tape, that was it.”
Kent State coach Doug Martin said he expects the Flashes (1-2, 1-0 Mid-American Conference) not to revel in the win.
“The hardest thing to handle in life is a pat on the back,” Martin said. “Our kids have to go play with the same passion, and intensity that they did last week again this week. That’s going to be a tough task playing at a tough place to win.”
The Flashes will also have to contend with the extra motivation of the Falcons.
Bowling Green coach Gregg Brandon said the game is a must win for the Falcons, according to the Bowling Green athletic department’s Web site.
“It’s a MAC East game, and we only have two more home games after this,” Brandon said. “The weather is supposed to be nice and you never know what the weather is going to be like late in the year.”
The Falcons (2-1, 1-0 MAC) are undefeated at home this season. They have won the last 15 games at Doyt L. Perry Stadium against the Flashes. The Falcons also have the overall advantage – leading the series 52-15-6.
Along with a perfect MAC record, both teams will be fighting for the Anniversary Award. The award, which is similar Kent Stateand Akron’s Battle for the Wagon Wheel, recognizes the founding of both schools in 1910.
While Kent State is focusing on moving past the Miami win and preparing for Bowling Green, the Falcons are doing their research as well.
“Well, they played very well defensively.” Brandon said. “They put great pressure on Miami’s quarterback; they hit him a dozen times and sacked him five or six times.”
Brandon added the play of sophomore quarterback Julian Edelman against the RedHawks was most notable.
“Ultimately, though, their quarterback won that game for them,” Brandon said. “He had some big throws and he made some scrambles. He is a legitimate play-maker. That’s always a concern for a defense: to control a running quarterback.”
Contact football reporter Deanna Stevens at [email protected].
What: Kent State at Bowling Green When: 1 p.m. tomorrow TV: none Radio: WHLO-AM 640 On the Web: Live audio and stats are available on www.kentstatesports.com. |