by The Akron Zips traveled to Dix stadium to take on arch rival the Kent State Golden Flashes in the 67th edition of the Wagon Wheel game. Akron dominated the game 38-17 claiming back-to-back wins against Kent state for the first time since the 2017-2018.
Despite going down early, Akron was able to gain the lead thanks to Jordan Simmons and Charles Kellom who both earned over 100 rushing yards in today’s contest. The defense allowed nothing from the Kent offense other than an early and late deep shot for the only Touchdowns of the day.
Kent State got off to a Flash fast start as Junior Quarterback Tommy Ulatowski found Luke Floriea streaking down the sideline with no one around him thirty yards from scrimmage. Floriea shows off his feet as he runs away from the Zip defenders. Akron dominated the next few possessions on both sides of the ball.
Akron went on a run of dominating possessions and didn’t look back as it all started with a field goal. After the field goal Akron proceeded to score two touchdowns on back to back possessions. Ben Finley connected with his favorite target Adrian Norton on multiple occasions. Finley found a wide open Norton for a 36 yard gain and set up what would be a Tahj Bullock three yard run to secure the lead for Akron.
The Zips extended their lead as Kellom weaved his way past multiple Flashes as he found pay dirt to secure a two score lead. Despite the struggles on offense Kent State would respond to the Akron scores with a 40 yard field goal by Will Hryszko.
Akron’s offense got in field goal range for Smith twice. Akron was pinned down at their own goal line until Simmons took off for 59 yards giving Akron a field goal chance after the two minute warning. “I went through my progression reads and went from there” said Simmons when asked about his run. This sudden chance to double up on points was successful to end the first half as they started the final two frames of play with the ball first.
The second half started off without a hitch, Tahj Bullock scored his second touchdown of the day thanks to a consistent drive by the Zips to obtain a 30-10 lead.
Finley showed it all today using his feet when needed, nothing was more impressive than the arm talent he showed when he heaved the ball right into arms of Jarvis Rush in the endzone extending the lead for Akron in what was an impressive offensive day. Akron rubbed dirt in the wound of Kent State as they went for two, Bullock hit Kellom for a two point conversion for no other purpose than to brag to their rival.
The fourth quarter brought nothing more to the table other than a knee and cigar smoke filling the Kent sky as Akron celebrated their Wagon Wheel victory. Akron’s victory adds another victory to the win total as they now lead the series 37-28-2 all time.
