The struggling Mid-American Conference rivals meet today at Dix Stadium.
View full sizeAkron's Alex Allen is averaging more than 5 yards per carry. When: 3:30 p.m. today, Dix Stadium, Kent.
TV/radio: SportsTime Ohio; WARF AM/1350, WHK AM/1420, WNIR FM/100.1.
Records: Akron 0-5, 0-1 Mid-American Conference. Kent State 1-3, 0-1.
Akron offense vs. Kent State defense
Zips offense: Not much has been generated offensively by Akron, as it averages just 16.8 points and 263.8 yards per game. The ground game has shown glimpses of potential. While tailback Alex Allen has only gained 337 yards on the season, he is averaging 5.3 yards per carry and has scored five TDs. His backup, Nate Burney, has gained 272 yards on the season and is averaging 4.9 yards per carry. QB Patrick Nicely (Willoughby South) has completed just 46.1 percent of his passes, but part of that number reflects on an underachieving receiving crew. Nicely has thrown only two interceptions.
Golden Flashes defense: The numbers speak for themselves: KSU is the No. 1 defensive team in the nation against the run, allowing 59.0 yards per game, and is No. 27 in total defense, allowing 306.5 yards per game. Kent also has 10 sacks, despite being without injured sack-master Monte Simmons, who has missed all but one game. He will return against the Zips. Kent has given up 30 of its 87 points in the fourth quarter, indicating a wilt factor down the stretch.
Kent State offense vs. Akron defense
Golden Flashes offense: Sporadic defines this unit, which has averaged 18.8 ppg and is last in the league in first downs (57) by a wide margin. Kent scored 41 points vs. Murray State and was shut out by Penn State. A run game that was supposed to be a team staple generates just 82.8 yards per contest, in part because of the injury to senior running back Eugene Jarvis (groin). Since the opener, QB Spencer Keith has seven interceptions to go with one TD pass. Offensive line play has improved during the season but has yet to deliver a breakout performance.
Zips defense: This defense has had issues almost from the outset, as its average of 462.4 yards allowed per game will attest. Teams have been able to run on Akron, averaging 181.0 yards per game, and have passed for an average of 281.4 yards per game. The fewest points allowed by Akron after five games is 29 to Syracuse in the opener. It has been 35 points or more since. In five games, the Zips have seven sacks, two interceptions and three forced fumbles. Linebackers Mike Thomas and Brian Wagner are loading up on the tackles with 48 each.
Zips win if: They can force turnovers, then convert them into points; they also need to control the clock with first downs and wear out Kent's defense in the fourth quarter.
Flashes win if: They can put some early points on the board, defensively limit Akron to three-and-outs and close the game on the ground at the end.
Alexander's prediction: KSU, 27-10.