by The Akron Zips (1-7) host their most heated rival, the Kent State Golden Flashes (1-7) in the 66th addition of the Wagon Wheel game. Akron won this Wagon Wheel classic with a score of 31 to Kent States 27. Akron came back in the fourth quarter down 17, their biggest comeback since Bowling Green over two years ago
Despite the tough start to the season, Kent State took off early in the game against after both teams shared offensive drives that didn’t result in a score. Tommy Ulatowski has been battling for a spot as Kent’s QB1, the Wagon wheel game was his chance to show up and show out and that’s exactly what he did. Ulatowski used his legs to give the Flashes their first lead of the game.
Akron didn’t take long to respond, Undercuffler looked as good as he has all season long. With a steady run attack and a pass attack that kept Kent on their heels and got the Zips within striking distance. Undercuffler found an open Daniel George to take the lead after Kent missed the extra point.
Kent State obtained full momentum after this as they went on to lead the Akron Zips by 17 points and only gave up a field goal. The next three touchdowns from Kent came from the arm of Ulatowski. Two of them were caught by McCray who looked un-guardable as the Akron defenders could do nothing but watch him dance in the endzone.
The 3rd quarter remained a struggle for the Zips going scoreless until Undercuffler found Jasaiah Gathings to end a 16-play drive to bring the game within 10 points. This was all the Zips needed to regain momentum and give themselves a chance with nine minutes left.
Akron’s defense stepped up in the fourth quarter denying Kent State of any chance of achieving a first down. As the defense forced a stop, the Offense went down the field and watched Lorenzo Lingard waltz his way over multiple Flash defenders to make the game a three point game.
This was all a catalyst to what was yet to happen, Undercuffler found his wide receivers with only three minutes left in the game to give his team a chance to bring the Wagon wheel back to Akron. On a triple option play with only 26 seconds left Undercuffler showed off his speed on a triple option keeper. As Undercuffler dove into the endzone a collective yell came from Infocision Stadium as the Zips regained the lead to eventually win the game.
