Here's more on the two teams . . .
KENT STATE (3-5, 2-2 MAC)
~~ After two straight MAC losses, KSU returned to the win column last week when it edged rival Akron 33-27. The Zips actually had an edge in total offense (492-455) and had more first downs (28-22). However, Kent State forced two turnovers and outscored UA 21-10 over the final 31 minutes.
~~ Freshman Devin Kargman got the start for Kent State and completed 14 of 25 passes, good for 213 yards with two touchdowns. Devontez Walker led Kent State receivers with five catches for a total of 72 yards.
~~ The Flashes ground game thrived, eventually producing 242 yards while averaging 6.2 yards per carry. Marquez Cooper was the workhorse, logging 28 carries totaling 137 yards. Bryan Bradford, a 6-0, 251-pound junior, had just three carries, but they produced 63 yards with one touchdown (a 58-yard run).
~~ Cooper is second among MAC runners, averaging 105.6 ypg. He is averagng 4.2 ypc for the season.
~~ Senior linebacker Marvin Pierre led all defenders, notching 14 tackles, including 10 solos. JoJo Evans and Montre Miller recorded interceptions. Pierre is fourth among MAC defenders, registering 9.3 tpg.
~~ The Flashes recorded seven sacks against Akron.
~~ KSU leads the MAC in total offense (433.9 ypg). It is 10th in total defense (454.8 ypg). The Flashes are first in rushing (209.6 ypg) and seventh in passing (224.3 ypg).
~~ Kent State ranks eighth in rushing defense (166.9 ypg), 11th in pass defense (287.9 ypg) and 12th/last in pass defense efficiency.
~~ Kicker Andrew Glass has connected on 11 of 17 field goals, including a long of 50 yards.
BALL STATE (4-4, 2-2 MAC)
~~ After trailing 10-7 at intermission Saturday against Eastern Michigan, BSU scored 10 straight third quarter points to take a 16-10 lead. The tide turned in the fourth quarter. After an Eagles field goal, EMU picked off a Cardinal pass drove 28 yards for the game-winning score. Ball State committed three turnovers, with two leading to a total of 10 points.
~~ Junior John Paddock completed 15 of 26 passes, totaling 178 yards with two touchdowns and two interceptions.
~~ Jayshon Jackson led receivers with four catches for 66 yards.
~~ Running back Carson Steele carried 24 times for 101 yards. He also caught four balls totaling 57 yards with one TD. Overall, Ball State managed 114 yards on the ground.
~~ Cole Pearce (15) and Jaquan Amos (14) led Ball State defenders, combining for 29 hits. The Cardinals had four sacks and seven TFL.
~~ Ben VonGunten's 13 field goals are second among MAC kickers. His long for the year is 47 yards.
~~ Ball State is scoring 24.5 ppg (9th MAC) and allowing 28.1 ppg (4th MAC).
~~ BSU ranks sixth (MAC) in rushing offense (140.8 ypg) and is fourth in passing (248.1 ypg). The Cardinals are 10th in pass offense officiency and third in pass defense efficiency.
~~ Steele leads MAC runners with an average of 111.3 rushing yards per game.
~~ Paddock has completed 61.5 percent of his passes in 2022. His 248.1 passing yards per contest is third (MAC) and his pass efficiency ranks is 10th.