Kent State Faces UMass Seeking to Snap Losing Streaks
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Kent State aims to break a four-game skid and end a prolonged Mid-American Conference drought when they host the University of Massachusetts today at Dix Stadium. Kickoff is scheduled for 2:30 p.m. as the Golden Flashes (1-4, 0-1) welcome a UMass team (0-5, 0-1) enduring an even longer losing streak.
The Flashes last secured a MAC victory on November 26, 2022, defeating Buffalo 30-27. Their last homecoming win also occurred in 2022, against Akron. Today’s game presents an chance to rewrite that narrative, but they face a UMass squad that hasn’t tasted victory in nine consecutive contests, dating back to a 35-7 win over Wagner last season.
Quarterback Situation Remains Fluid for Kent State
The availability of starting quarterback Dru DeShields is a key storyline heading into the matchup. DeShields missed last week’s game against Oklahoma due to a hamstring injury. According to the interim head coach, Mark Carney, the former West Branch High School quarterback is currently considered day-to-day.
DeShields transitioned into the full-time starter during the MAC opener against Buffalo after initially splitting time under center in the Flashes’ first two games. In that contest against the Bulls, he showcased his dual-threat ability, throwing for 279 yards and two touchdowns while adding 37 rushing yards and another touchdown, despite a narrow 31-28 defeat.
Garcia Nears Career Milestone
On the offensive front, running back Gavin Garcia is on the verge of a significant achievement. He is just 62 rushing yards away from reaching 1,000 career rushing yards. Garcia’s return this season is a boost for Kent State, having missed the entirety of the 2024 season due to injury. He previously led the team in rushing in 2023, establishing himself as a key component of the Flashes’ offensive attack.
Homecoming Game adds Extra Incentive
Beyond the conference implications, today’s game carries the added weight of being a homecoming contest for Kent State. The team is eager to deliver a victory for their fans and break the program’s homecoming drought, which also dates back to 2022. A win against UMass would not onyl provide a much-needed boost in the MAC standings but also reignite the enthusiasm surrounding the program.
Why: Kent State is seeking to end a four-game losing streak and a two-year drought in both MAC play and homecoming games. UMass is looking to break a nine-game losing streak.
Who: The kent State Golden Flashes (1-4, 0-1) are hosting the UMass Minutemen (0-5, 0-1). Key players include Kent State quarterback Dru DeShields (day-to-day with a hamstring injury) and running back Gavin Garcia,who is 62 rushing yards away from 1,000 career rushing yards.
What: The game is a Mid-American conference matchup with homecoming implications for Kent State.
How did it end?: The outcome of the game is currently unknown, as it is scheduled to be played today. The article sets the
