Ohio (2-2 overall) is travelling up north to Kent to take on the Kent State Golden Flashes (2-2 overall, 1-0 Mid-American Conference) in the opening game of Mid-American Conference play. Ohio’s had its ups and downs through the first four weeks during conference play as they saw many positives and some negatives.
Ohio is able to enter Conference play with a big 28-point win over Stonehill College as it rushed for a combined 301 yards during the game. Ohio’s offense had struggled finding a run identity early in the season, and matters became worse when starting running back and captain junior Duncan Brune missed time due to an injury he faced in week two.
The rushing game has been gaining as it heads into MAC play after the 301 yard rushing game for Ohio. Brune is also supposed to be available against Kent State after just barely being held out of last week's game according to head coach John Hauser.
With graduate student quarterback Nick Poulos’ availability still being up in the air due to a week two injury, it is assumed junior quarterback Matt Vezza will get his third straight start. This is another positive as Vezza has never been afraid to use his legs. Vezza rushed for two touchdowns in the win over Stonehill, and was a big factor in Ohio’s dominance on the ground.
Vezza is not scared to sling the ball either. Vezza had a strong connection with sophomore wide receiver Riley Neer during the first half last week with Neer catching five passes for 113 yards in the first two quarters alone.
Kent State has already opened up MAC play with a win over Ball State University last weekend 26-13 at home. The Golden Flashes quarterback junior Dru Deshields looked sharp against the Cardinals as he combined for 265 total yards and three total touchdowns while completely being in control of the offense.
Kent State’s two losses both came against power four opponents South Carolina and #6 Ohio State as they were outscored 116-3 in those two games. Deshields success at home has been greatly caused by Kent State’s ability to run the ball at Dix stadium with the team averaging 180 yards per game at home.
Kent State’s defense is looking to feast on a relatively vulnerable run game Ohio has produced this season despite its performance this week. Kent State’s run defense has been unstoppable at home so far this season with its opponent averaging under 50 rushing yards a game.
With Ohio’s starter Brune just now returning from injury, Kent State’s aggressive defense will try and make him uncomfortable out of the gate to try and limit his game.
The Bobcats are currently winless this season on the road, while Kent State has yet to lose at home.
