Ohio opens its Mid-American Conference schedule against Kent State on Saturday. The Bobcats (2-0) will have their first road game of the season when they visit the Golden Flashes (0-1).
Kent State’s only game of the season was against Ohio State, whom the Bobcats beat last season; the Golden Flashes lost by 56 in their season opener.
Meanwhile, Ohio is coming off a ranked win against Notre Dame last week.
Ohio and Kent State split their games last season with each team winning at home.
Here’s what you need to know before the Bobcats’ MAC opener.
Game Information
Opponent: Kent State (0-1)
Place: Memorial Athletic and Convocation Center (Kent, Ohio)
Time: 2 p.m.
How to watch: ESPN+
Meet the opponent
Head coach: Todd Starkey (fifth season)
Probable Starters
04 Nila Blackford
05 Mariah Modkins
12 Linsey Marchese
14 Katie Shumate
44 Lindsey Thall
Bench
0 Casey Santoro
02 Annie Pavlansky
20 Clare Kelly
23 Lexi Jackson
32 Hannah Young
Why the game matters
Ohio is on a mission early this season to show it’s the best team in the MAC. A win against a ranked opponent last week surely put the conference on notice, and a win against the reigning champions of the MAC East would be a statement.
The MAC has gotten rid of divisions for this season, so every game matters even more in the fight for regular season champion.
The Bobcats also need to keep winning to keep earning some national consideration. Ohio received six votes in the most recent AP Poll; it can keep climbing the ranks with big wins over quality opponents.
