The Flashes took an early lead when they took the opening kickoff and marched down the field for a 21-yard Matthew Trickett field goal. It was . . .
Auburn scored the next 14 points and took a 14-3 lead into the second quarter. Dustin Crum linked up with Isaiah McKoy on a 53-yard touchdown with 10:47 to go in the first half to pull the Flashes within a score, 14-10.
Bo Nix led the Tigers on a 60-yard drive following McKoy's touchdown that he capped off with a one-yard touchdown run. Anders Carlson added a 45-yard field goal to give the Tigers a 24-10 advantage at the break.
Auburn scored the first 14 points of the second half, including a 49-yard flea flicker from Nix to Eli Stove.
Woody Barrett and Kavious Price hooked up for a 15-yard touchdown to bring the score to 41-16. The reception for Price was his first touchdown since 2017 against Buffalo.
Crum led the Flashes through the air, going 15-for-24 for 198 yards and a touchdown. He set a career high with 228 total yards. McKoy paced Kent State with four receptions for 85 yards and a touchdown. Akeam Peters set a career high and led the Flashes with nine total tackles.
Kent State will open Mid-American Conference play next Saturday, Sept. 21, against Bowling Green for homecoming.