Akron Zips vs. Kent State: A Rivalry Showdown
On Tuesday, November 11, at 7:30 PM, the Akron Zips will face off against their rivals, the Kent State Golden Flashes, for the Wagon Wheel trophy. Both teams are looking for a much-needed postseason boost. Akron enters with a record of 4-6 overall and 3-3 in the Mid-American Conference, while Kent State sits at 3-6 and 2-3.
Coaching Staffs
The Zips are led by Joe Moorhead, now in his fourth season at the helm, with an overall coaching record of 64-59. Kent State has Mark Carney, who is in his first year as head coach, currently holding a 3-6 record.
Rivalry History
This matchup is storied, marking the 68th meeting between the two programs. Akron has won 37 of those games, regaining the Wagon Wheel in 2023 with a tight 31-27 victory. In 2024, they managed a solid 38-17 win, continuing a trend where the visiting team has often enjoyed success.
The series dates back to 1923, a testament to the long-standing rivalry. Each previous decade has witnessed shifts in dominance—before Akron’s recent successes, Kent State had a strong stretch from 2019 to 2022.
The Wagon Wheel Tale
The Wagon Wheel trophy derives its lore from 1870, when an Akron industrialist found himself stuck in the mud near Kent while looking for a college site. He abandoned part of his wagon, which later became the trophy for this storied matchup. It was officially introduced as an award for the winning team in 1945 and has since become a symbol of pride for both schools.
Statistics and Recent Performance
Kent State currently averages 18 points per game, with a total offense of 271.8 yards—184.0 through the air and 87.8 on the ground. Defensively, they struggle, allowing 34.3 points and 440.9 yards per game. Star players on their offense include quarterback Dreu Desheilds and receiver Case Wolford. Desheilds has thrown for over 1,321 yards with 11 touchdowns.
In contrast, Akron has a more balanced offensive approach. They sport strong performances from quarterback Ben Finley, who has amassed 1,875 passing yards this season. Running back Jordan Gant has emerged as a key player, racking up 850 rushing yards and averaging 5.0 yards per carry. He recently earned the Doak Walker Running Back of the Week for his standout performance.
Defensive Insights
Akron’s defense, while still growing, has shown promise this season. They’ve forced 17 turnovers, and limiting opponents to just 72.7% scoring in the red zone ranks them second in the MAC. Linebacker Shammond Cooper is leading the tackles for Akron, which helps keep them competitive.
Special Teams Efforts
Special teams have also been significant for the Zips, with punters Joseph Castle and Brayden Johnson ensuring good field position. They are performing well, helping the team to maintain momentum through missed opportunities from their opponents.
Looking Ahead
Next, Akron will travel to Bowling Green for their final regular season game on November 18. This rivalry matchup not only determines bragging rights but also influences postseason prospects. Keep an eye on this game; it’s bound to be a nail-biter!
