The Akron Zips will host the Kent State Golden Flashes for the prestigious Wagon Wheel trophy on Tuesday, November 11, at 7:30 p.m. ET. This Mid-American Conference (MAC) showdown will be broadcast live on ESPN, taking place at InfoCision Stadium in Akron, Ohio.
Historically, this rivalry dates back to 1923, with the first Wagon Wheel trophy introduced in 1946, marking a significant moment after World War II. Over the years, the teams have faced each other 67 times, with Akron currently holding a 9-game lead in their all-time series, having won the last encounter 38-17 on November 19, 2024.
Both teams are showing notable improvement this season, with Akron aiming for its first five-win season since 2017, currently sitting at 4-6. Meanwhile, Kent State enters the game at 3-6, having already surpassed its win total from the past two seasons combined. However, both teams face the challenge of clinching a winning season, making this matchup critical.
Kent State Golden Flashes” Season Review
With a record of 3-6 and 2-3 in MAC play, Kent State has demonstrated its ability to compete, which was not the case in the previous two seasons. The Golden Flashes have managed to hold leads in two of their three conference losses, indicating their competitiveness.
Under the leadership of interim head coach Mark Carney, who was recently promoted to a full-time position, Kent State”s performance has improved. The team mounted an impressive 18-point comeback against Bowling Green, and although they lost to Ball State after overcoming a 10-point deficit, their resilience is noteworthy. Quarterback Dru DeShields, a redshirt freshman, has been a key player, throwing 11 touchdowns against just two interceptions. His ability to connect on deep passes has been essential for the offense, although the team struggles in the running game, ranking last in the FBS with only 87.6 rushing yards per game.
Akron Zips” Recent Performance
The Akron Zips come into this game with a record of 4-6, having recently celebrated their largest victory over an FBS opponent since 2002, defeating UMass by 34 points. Over the last seven games, the Zips have managed a 4-3 record, showcasing their growth as a team.
Quarterback Ben Finley has been instrumental in their offensive success, having thrown multiple touchdown passes in six of the last seven games. He currently ranks fourth in the MAC for passing yards and is tied for the most touchdown passes in the league. The Zips have a strong running game led by Jordan Gant, who has proved to be a pivotal factor in their victories, as the team has won every game in which he recorded over 100 rushing yards.
Defensively, Akron has been effective recently, forcing turnovers and limiting opponents” yardage. They rank highly in takeaways, with a standout performance against UMass where they held the Minutemen to just 169 yards. Inside linebacker Gage Summers has been a key player, contributing significantly to the defensive efforts.
Game Prediction
This matchup is expected to be closely contested, with both teams aiming to secure the Wagon Wheel trophy. The Zips are anticipated to have the advantage due to their offensive efficiency and ability to run the ball effectively. After a slow start, Akron is predicted to emerge victorious, winning the turnover battle and relying on key players like Jordan Gant to make impactful plays.
Final prediction: Akron 21, Kent State 16.
