by Kent, Ohio- Kent State welcomed Eastern Michigan to Dix Stadium starting conference play on a day that was downpour in a manner that affected the game. Eastern Michigan defeated Kent State 52-33, the Eagles played a disciplined game while Kent State hit a new high in penalties and a turnover streak that haunted the Flashes.
Eastern Michigan made a statement on their first drive thanks to the precision of Cole Snyder and his Wide receivers ability to get open on short routes. The Kent State defense rallied to the ball but failed to bring down the Eagles runners in one attempt. The Flashes’ focus fell on the wide receivers when it was Elijah Jackson-Anderson who punched in the touchdown for four yards and the early lead.
Kent State’s offense has struggled so far in its first four games this season, despite that the Flashes were able to equal the score at the end of the first quarter with a consistent drive. The seven play drive was capped off with a Ayden Harris run from 9 yards out.
Kent State’s defense played strong for the first half as they tried to buy time for the offense to take over the lead. It was the Eagles that played one step ahead of the Flashes, taking the lead back with a Delbert Mimms III 27 yard touchdown run after a Kent State turnover.
The second quarter proved to be a foot race in which the Flashes utilized the arm talent of Tommy Ulatowski. Ulatowski found one of his top talents, Luke Florea who created separation from the defensive back while Ulatowski bought enough time and space to launch one deep tp Florea who then walked over to the endzone.
Eastern Michigan’s consistent offense led by Cole Snyder who ad’s a dynamic running ability with his feet that makes this offense dynamic in its running attack. Jackson-Anderson scored his second touchdown to regain the lead to his Eagles, the Flashes had a response, sadly for them it was the last time this game would be competitive.
Ulatowski found Chrishon McCray just beyond the sticks, McCray then made a group of Eagles miss as he took off in a foot race to the endzone to even up the score, from here on out it became a game in favor of the Eagles.
The injury of defensive tackle Oliver Billotte along with the rain felt to be the turning point in which Eastern Michigan took the advantage. “That hurts our defense, he is a captain… I thought he played very well, “said Burns when asked about Billotte and his impact.
The next four scores were all in the favor of the Eagles due to three straight fumbles by the Flashes on their own side of the field. Snyder twice and Mimms III put the dagger in the Flashes home crowd as the downpour unlocked a new level for Eastern Michigan that created a major separation in the game.
Kent State didn’t give up and continued to fight, scoring two more touchdowns in the fourth quarter. Despite the score it was too little, too late for Kent State. “We didn’t get outplayed, we got out cultured, they weren’t affected or scared when the rain came” Said Burns.
Kent State will attempt to regroup in two weeks after the bye week as they face Ball State who has also struggled this season. Eastern Michigan will face Miami in two weeks as they are also on a bye in week 6.
