WEEK FOUR MAC EAST PREVIEWS
OHIO AT BOWLING GREEN
AKRON AT INDIANA
BUFFALO AT LOUISIANA
KENT STATE AT FRESNO STATE
DELAWARE STATE AT MIAMI
AKRON AT INDIANA
BUFFALO AT LOUISIANA
KENT STATE AT FRESNO STATE
DELAWARE STATE AT MIAMI
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OHIO AT BOWLING GREEN
Saturday, Sept. 23 -- 3:30 p.m. ET
Doyt L. Perry Stadium - Bowling Green, OH
ESPN+
Riding a three-game win streak and coming off a win over Big 12 member Ohio State, the Ohio Bobcats hit the road to open MAC play at Bowling Green Saturday. Both of the Bobcats previous road tilts were seven-point decisions. Ohio won one (Florida Atlantic, 17-10) and lost one (San Diego State, 20-13).
Bowling Green, meanwhile, is seeking its second win of 2023 after falling to No. 2 Michigan (31-6) last Saturday.
The Falcons have a 41-31-2 edge in the series, but Ohio used a 28-point second quarter to power its 38-14 win last year at Peden Stadium.
MAC Offensive Player of the Year Kurtis Rourke missed that game, but he should be back for this year's matchup after overcoming an injury in Ohio's first game of 2023.
OHIO
-- The Bobcats have flexed a formidable defense through four games, and Ohio tops the MAC in scoring defense (11.8 ppg.), total defense (245.0 ypg) and rushing defense (57.8 ypg).
-- Iowa State was limited to 271 yards overall and 38 yards rushing in a 10-7 Ohio victory last week. The Bobcats also forced two turnovers while playing turnover-free football. That proved important, as Ohio totaled even less offense - 247 yards.
-- Neither team scored in the first half. Ohio finally broke the ice when it capitalized on a Cyclone interception. Six plays and 23 yards later, the Bobcats went up 7-0 with 11:18 remaining in the third period. Gianni Spetic's 27-yard field goal early in the fourth quarter proved to be the difference as ISU could manage just one score.
-- Rourke completed 16 of 32 pass attempts, good for 135 yards with one TD. He also led Ohio rushing with seven carries for 58 yards. Sieh Bangura was next with 14 trips totaling 44 yards.
-- Sam Wiglusz caught five balls for 53 total yards and the one Ohio TD.
-- Bryce Houston registered a game-high 15 tackles (5 solo). After four games, graduate student linebacker has recorded 43 total tackles.
He is not only leading the MAC but has the fourth-most tackles in NCAA DI FBS competition. Averaging 10.8 tackles per game, Houston is ranked 12th among FBS athletes.
-- Torrie Cox Jr. and Rodney Matthews recorded interceptions.
BOWLING GREEN
-- It is the 101st Homecoming game at Bowling Green State University.
-- Since 2000, Bowling Green is 7-0 against OU when the Falcons win the turnover battle. They are 0-8 when they don’t. And are 1-2 when the turnovers are the same.
-- BGSU trailed UM 7-6 before a Michigan TD at 4:15 of the second quarter extended the margin to 14-6. Kicker Alan Anaya accounted for all Falcon points on the day with field goals of 36 and 42 yards. Michigan scored the game's last 17 points.
-- The Bowling Green defense held Michigan to 312 yards of total offense, which is the lowest output by the Wolverines since managing 275 against Rutgers on Sept. 25, 2021.
-- BGSU forced four turnovers, which is the most given up by Michigan since the 2019 Wisconsin game.
-- CB Jalen Huskey notched his second interception in as many weeks in the first quarter. It was the second-straight week the sophomore intercepted a ball in the end zone.
-- Camden Orth and Hayden Timosciek combined to complete 14 of 21 pass attempts against UM, good for 124 yards with two interceptions (both by Timosciek).
-- Bowling Green already has three rushing touchdowns by running backs which is one more than all last season. BGSU only had eight rushing touchdowns in 2022 with two by quarterbacks and four by tight end Harold Fannin Jr.
Saturday, Sept. 23 -- 3:30 p.m. ET
Doyt L. Perry Stadium - Bowling Green, OH
ESPN+
Riding a three-game win streak and coming off a win over Big 12 member Ohio State, the Ohio Bobcats hit the road to open MAC play at Bowling Green Saturday. Both of the Bobcats previous road tilts were seven-point decisions. Ohio won one (Florida Atlantic, 17-10) and lost one (San Diego State, 20-13).
Bowling Green, meanwhile, is seeking its second win of 2023 after falling to No. 2 Michigan (31-6) last Saturday.
The Falcons have a 41-31-2 edge in the series, but Ohio used a 28-point second quarter to power its 38-14 win last year at Peden Stadium.
MAC Offensive Player of the Year Kurtis Rourke missed that game, but he should be back for this year's matchup after overcoming an injury in Ohio's first game of 2023.
OHIO
-- The Bobcats have flexed a formidable defense through four games, and Ohio tops the MAC in scoring defense (11.8 ppg.), total defense (245.0 ypg) and rushing defense (57.8 ypg).
-- Iowa State was limited to 271 yards overall and 38 yards rushing in a 10-7 Ohio victory last week. The Bobcats also forced two turnovers while playing turnover-free football. That proved important, as Ohio totaled even less offense - 247 yards.
-- Neither team scored in the first half. Ohio finally broke the ice when it capitalized on a Cyclone interception. Six plays and 23 yards later, the Bobcats went up 7-0 with 11:18 remaining in the third period. Gianni Spetic's 27-yard field goal early in the fourth quarter proved to be the difference as ISU could manage just one score.
-- Rourke completed 16 of 32 pass attempts, good for 135 yards with one TD. He also led Ohio rushing with seven carries for 58 yards. Sieh Bangura was next with 14 trips totaling 44 yards.
-- Sam Wiglusz caught five balls for 53 total yards and the one Ohio TD.
-- Bryce Houston registered a game-high 15 tackles (5 solo). After four games, graduate student linebacker has recorded 43 total tackles.
He is not only leading the MAC but has the fourth-most tackles in NCAA DI FBS competition. Averaging 10.8 tackles per game, Houston is ranked 12th among FBS athletes.
-- Torrie Cox Jr. and Rodney Matthews recorded interceptions.
BOWLING GREEN
-- It is the 101st Homecoming game at Bowling Green State University.
-- Since 2000, Bowling Green is 7-0 against OU when the Falcons win the turnover battle. They are 0-8 when they don’t. And are 1-2 when the turnovers are the same.
-- BGSU trailed UM 7-6 before a Michigan TD at 4:15 of the second quarter extended the margin to 14-6. Kicker Alan Anaya accounted for all Falcon points on the day with field goals of 36 and 42 yards. Michigan scored the game's last 17 points.
-- The Bowling Green defense held Michigan to 312 yards of total offense, which is the lowest output by the Wolverines since managing 275 against Rutgers on Sept. 25, 2021.
-- BGSU forced four turnovers, which is the most given up by Michigan since the 2019 Wisconsin game.
-- CB Jalen Huskey notched his second interception in as many weeks in the first quarter. It was the second-straight week the sophomore intercepted a ball in the end zone.
-- Camden Orth and Hayden Timosciek combined to complete 14 of 21 pass attempts against UM, good for 124 yards with two interceptions (both by Timosciek).
-- Bowling Green already has three rushing touchdowns by running backs which is one more than all last season. BGSU only had eight rushing touchdowns in 2022 with two by quarterbacks and four by tight end Harold Fannin Jr.
AKRON AT INDIANA
Saturday, Sept. 23 -- 7:30 p.m. ET
Memorial Stadium - Bloomington, IN
BTN
After dropping a 35-3 decision to SEC member Kentucky last week, Akron winds up its non-conference schedule Saturday again a Big Ten foe. Like the Zips, Indiana is 1-2 on the year with a lopsided 41-7 win over Indiana State sandwiched between losses to No. 3 Ohio State and Louisville.
Indiana prevailed over Akron 35-20 in their last meeting (2010 in Bloomington), giving IU a 3-0 edge in the series.
INDIANA
-- Louisville built up a 21-0 lead last week against Indiana. Although the Hoosiers held UL scoreless after that, Indiana came up short with two third quarter TDs. Neither team was able to score in the final period.
-- Louisville outgained IU 422-357 overall.
-- The Hoosiers were held to 58 yards rushing on 27 attempts (2.1 ypc).
-- Freshman Tayven Jackson completed 24 of 34 attempts against UL, generating 299 yards with one TD and one interception.
-- Sophomore Jaylin Lucas (5-9, 170) topped IU receivers with 10 catches totaling 98 yards with one TD.
-- Senior linebacker Aaron Casey registered 10 tackles (5 solo), along with two sacks.
-- Indiana is averaging 356 ypg and allowing 298.3 ypg.
-- The Hoosiers have scored an average of 19.3 ppg, while Akron is surrendering 26.7 ppg.
-- The Hoosiers have used two QBs this season in Jackson who is 43-of-60 for 559 yards and a touchdown, and Brenden Sorsby. He has thrown 32 passes, completing 17 for 166 yards
-- Indiana's defense has been up to task through three weeks in 2023, as the unit ranks among the top-50 nationally in four of the
five major statistical categories: passing yards allowed (19th; 165.3), red zone defense (27th; .714), total defense (38th; 298.3) and
scoring defense (39th; 17.0).
AKRON
-- The Zips rank 129th nationally in offense (262.7 ypg) and 130th in rushing (42.3 ypg).
-- Akron is coming off a 35-3 loss to Kentucky. The Wildcats led 14-0 at intermission. UA Noah Perez hit a 36-yard field goal at 3:27 of the third period for Akron's only points. Kentucky added three more TDs to round out scoring.
-- UK outgained the Zips 450-239 overall.
-- Akron was limited to 49 yards rushing
-- DJ Irons completed 23 of 34 passes totaling 130 yards. Jeff Underfuffler Jr. ws 6 of 7 for 60 yards.
-- Kentucky recorded five sacks.
-- The Zips forced three turnovers. One was an interception by Tyson Durant.
-- CJ Nunnally opened the game with back-to-back sacks for the Zips. Noel Roach blocked punt to setup Akron field goal, made by Noah Perez 22 yards.
Saturday, Sept. 23 -- 7:30 p.m. ET
Memorial Stadium - Bloomington, IN
BTN
After dropping a 35-3 decision to SEC member Kentucky last week, Akron winds up its non-conference schedule Saturday again a Big Ten foe. Like the Zips, Indiana is 1-2 on the year with a lopsided 41-7 win over Indiana State sandwiched between losses to No. 3 Ohio State and Louisville.
Indiana prevailed over Akron 35-20 in their last meeting (2010 in Bloomington), giving IU a 3-0 edge in the series.
INDIANA
-- Louisville built up a 21-0 lead last week against Indiana. Although the Hoosiers held UL scoreless after that, Indiana came up short with two third quarter TDs. Neither team was able to score in the final period.
-- Louisville outgained IU 422-357 overall.
-- The Hoosiers were held to 58 yards rushing on 27 attempts (2.1 ypc).
-- Freshman Tayven Jackson completed 24 of 34 attempts against UL, generating 299 yards with one TD and one interception.
-- Sophomore Jaylin Lucas (5-9, 170) topped IU receivers with 10 catches totaling 98 yards with one TD.
-- Senior linebacker Aaron Casey registered 10 tackles (5 solo), along with two sacks.
-- Indiana is averaging 356 ypg and allowing 298.3 ypg.
-- The Hoosiers have scored an average of 19.3 ppg, while Akron is surrendering 26.7 ppg.
-- The Hoosiers have used two QBs this season in Jackson who is 43-of-60 for 559 yards and a touchdown, and Brenden Sorsby. He has thrown 32 passes, completing 17 for 166 yards
-- Indiana's defense has been up to task through three weeks in 2023, as the unit ranks among the top-50 nationally in four of the
five major statistical categories: passing yards allowed (19th; 165.3), red zone defense (27th; .714), total defense (38th; 298.3) and
scoring defense (39th; 17.0).
AKRON
-- The Zips rank 129th nationally in offense (262.7 ypg) and 130th in rushing (42.3 ypg).
-- Akron is coming off a 35-3 loss to Kentucky. The Wildcats led 14-0 at intermission. UA Noah Perez hit a 36-yard field goal at 3:27 of the third period for Akron's only points. Kentucky added three more TDs to round out scoring.
-- UK outgained the Zips 450-239 overall.
-- Akron was limited to 49 yards rushing
-- DJ Irons completed 23 of 34 passes totaling 130 yards. Jeff Underfuffler Jr. ws 6 of 7 for 60 yards.
-- Kentucky recorded five sacks.
-- The Zips forced three turnovers. One was an interception by Tyson Durant.
-- CJ Nunnally opened the game with back-to-back sacks for the Zips. Noel Roach blocked punt to setup Akron field goal, made by Noah Perez 22 yards.
BUFFALO AT LOUISIANA
Saturday, Sept. 23 -- 7:30 p.m. ET
Cajun Field - Lafayette, LA
ESPN+
Three weeks into 2023, the Buffalo Bulls are still looking for their first win. Picking up a "W" in their final non-conference matchup likely won't come easy as they must face Lousiana's Ragin Cajuns on the road. Since 2018, Louisiana has enjoyed playing at home, holding a 25-5 record at Cajun Field.
This is the first meeting between the two schools, with UB filling in for New Mexico State on the Cajuns schedule this season. NMSU switched from independent to Conference USA member. Louisiana will visit Buffalo next year.
LOUISIANA
-- Eight points separate Louisiana from a perfect 3-0 start. The Ragin Cajuns fell to Old Dominion 38-31 in Week 2. Prior to that, UL opened 2023 with a 38-13 victory over Northwestern State. Last week, Louisiana knocked off Alabama Birmingham (UAB) 41-21.
-- UL exploded for 24 second quarter points and added 10 more in the third period for a 34-3 lead over UAB. The Blazers scored three touchdowns in the final 4:10.
-- Louisiana outgained the Blazers 513-396.
-- The Rajun Cajuns totaled 305 yards rushing, with two players eclipsing 100 yards. Jacob Kibodi carried seven times for 108 yards (1 TD) with a long of 59. Zeon Chriss (2 TDs) logged six carries for 103 yards with a long of 80.
-- UL fumbled five times, but lost only two.
-- Chriss handled the bulk of QB duties, completing 14 of 20 for 174 yards and one TD.
-- Harvey Broussard and Jacob Bernard combined for eight catches and 109 yards.
-- Through the first three games, Louisiana's defensive has been a force on opposing quarterbacks, as the Cajuns have recorded 15 sacks, which ranks second in the country and first in the Sun Belt Conference.
-- Kenny Almendares has continued his stellar play from a year ago as he enters Saturday's contest 4-for-4 on his field goal attempts, extending his consecutive field goals made to 16.
-- In his first season handling punting duties, Thomas Leo ranks 31st nationally and second in the Sun Belt with a 43.2 average.
-- Zylan Perry has excelled in the kickoff return game as he is averaging 26.7 yards on his nine returns, which ranks seventh nationally among players with seven-or-more returns.
BUFFALO
-- The Bulls took an early punch from Liberty last week, falling behind 24-0 midway through the second quarter. UB could get no closer than 10 points, which was the 24-14 halftime deficit.
-- Liberty outgained the Bulls 569-363 and played turnover-free football. UB committed two turnovers.
-- Buffalo was limited to 87 yards rushing (2.9 ypc). The Bulls are 10th among MAC teams in rushing (102.0 ypg)
-- Cole Snyder completed 29 of 51 attempts, good for 276 yards with four TDs and two inteceptions. Buffalo leads the MAC in passing, averaging 245.0 ypg. The Bulls are completing 64.8 percent of pass attempts (3rd MAC).
-- Cole Snyder leads the MAC and is tied for eight in the nation in touchdown passes with nine. He is the first UB quarterback since Tyree Jackson in
2018 to throw multiple touchdown passes in each of the first three games of the
season.
-- The Bulls are looking for their first win despite scoring 27.0 ppg (2nd MAC). However, UB is last in scoring defense (44.3 ppg).
-- Nine of Buffalo’s 11 touchdowns on the season have come on scoring drives of at least 65 yards.
-- Graduate safety Marcus Fuqua tied for the national lead with seven interceptions in 2022. It was the most by a UB player in the program’s FBS era (since 1999). Along with being an All-MAC First Team selection, Fuqua was named a third-team All-American by the Associated Press.
-- Linebacker Shaun Dolac had a record-breaking season for the Bulls last
year. A 2022 first-team All-MAC selection, the UB senior ranked second in the nation in tackles with 147 which were the third-most in program history for a single season. Even more impressive was that he led the nation in solo tackles with 97 - 17 more than any UB player in program
history.
Saturday, Sept. 23 -- 7:30 p.m. ET
Cajun Field - Lafayette, LA
ESPN+
Three weeks into 2023, the Buffalo Bulls are still looking for their first win. Picking up a "W" in their final non-conference matchup likely won't come easy as they must face Lousiana's Ragin Cajuns on the road. Since 2018, Louisiana has enjoyed playing at home, holding a 25-5 record at Cajun Field.
This is the first meeting between the two schools, with UB filling in for New Mexico State on the Cajuns schedule this season. NMSU switched from independent to Conference USA member. Louisiana will visit Buffalo next year.
LOUISIANA
-- Eight points separate Louisiana from a perfect 3-0 start. The Ragin Cajuns fell to Old Dominion 38-31 in Week 2. Prior to that, UL opened 2023 with a 38-13 victory over Northwestern State. Last week, Louisiana knocked off Alabama Birmingham (UAB) 41-21.
-- UL exploded for 24 second quarter points and added 10 more in the third period for a 34-3 lead over UAB. The Blazers scored three touchdowns in the final 4:10.
-- Louisiana outgained the Blazers 513-396.
-- The Rajun Cajuns totaled 305 yards rushing, with two players eclipsing 100 yards. Jacob Kibodi carried seven times for 108 yards (1 TD) with a long of 59. Zeon Chriss (2 TDs) logged six carries for 103 yards with a long of 80.
-- UL fumbled five times, but lost only two.
-- Chriss handled the bulk of QB duties, completing 14 of 20 for 174 yards and one TD.
-- Harvey Broussard and Jacob Bernard combined for eight catches and 109 yards.
-- Through the first three games, Louisiana's defensive has been a force on opposing quarterbacks, as the Cajuns have recorded 15 sacks, which ranks second in the country and first in the Sun Belt Conference.
-- Kenny Almendares has continued his stellar play from a year ago as he enters Saturday's contest 4-for-4 on his field goal attempts, extending his consecutive field goals made to 16.
-- In his first season handling punting duties, Thomas Leo ranks 31st nationally and second in the Sun Belt with a 43.2 average.
-- Zylan Perry has excelled in the kickoff return game as he is averaging 26.7 yards on his nine returns, which ranks seventh nationally among players with seven-or-more returns.
BUFFALO
-- The Bulls took an early punch from Liberty last week, falling behind 24-0 midway through the second quarter. UB could get no closer than 10 points, which was the 24-14 halftime deficit.
-- Liberty outgained the Bulls 569-363 and played turnover-free football. UB committed two turnovers.
-- Buffalo was limited to 87 yards rushing (2.9 ypc). The Bulls are 10th among MAC teams in rushing (102.0 ypg)
-- Cole Snyder completed 29 of 51 attempts, good for 276 yards with four TDs and two inteceptions. Buffalo leads the MAC in passing, averaging 245.0 ypg. The Bulls are completing 64.8 percent of pass attempts (3rd MAC).
-- Cole Snyder leads the MAC and is tied for eight in the nation in touchdown passes with nine. He is the first UB quarterback since Tyree Jackson in
2018 to throw multiple touchdown passes in each of the first three games of the
season.
-- The Bulls are looking for their first win despite scoring 27.0 ppg (2nd MAC). However, UB is last in scoring defense (44.3 ppg).
-- Nine of Buffalo’s 11 touchdowns on the season have come on scoring drives of at least 65 yards.
-- Graduate safety Marcus Fuqua tied for the national lead with seven interceptions in 2022. It was the most by a UB player in the program’s FBS era (since 1999). Along with being an All-MAC First Team selection, Fuqua was named a third-team All-American by the Associated Press.
-- Linebacker Shaun Dolac had a record-breaking season for the Bulls last
year. A 2022 first-team All-MAC selection, the UB senior ranked second in the nation in tackles with 147 which were the third-most in program history for a single season. Even more impressive was that he led the nation in solo tackles with 97 - 17 more than any UB player in program
history.
KENT STATE AT FRESNO STATE
Saturday, Sept. 23 -- 10:30 p.m. ET
Bulldog Stadium - Fresno, CA
CBSSN
After picking up its first win of 2023 last Saturday, Kent State hits the road again this week while attempting to even its non-conference record at 2-2. It's a tough matchup, with undefeated Fresno State playing host The Bulldogs (3-0) are fresh off a 29-0 road win at Arizona State.
This is the first meeting between Kent State and FSU.
FRESNO STATE
-- Fresno State won its 12th-straight game last Saturday, extending its active winning streak and keeping a hold on the second-longest streak in the FBS, behind only the top-ranked Georgia.
-- The Bulldog defense was dominant against Arizona State, forcing eight turnovers while limiting the Sun Devils to 230 yards of offense -- all on the road.
-- Senior DB Carlton Johnson picked off three ASU passes.
-- Sophomore QB Mikey Keene completed 32 of 49 passes, totaling 281 yards with two touchdowns.
-- Erik Brooks led receivers with 11 catches for 104 yards. Jalen Moss and Elijah Gilliam each recorded six catches and a TD.
-- Fresno State recorded 69 total yards rushing, led gy Elijah Gilliam's 18 trips for 69 yards.
-- FSU's Carson King averaged 51.5 yards per punt on four kicks.
-- Sophomore Dylan Lynch converted five of seven field goal tries, with a long of 50.
-- Fresno State's offense (400.3 ypg) ranks 63 nationally. It will be facing a Kent State defense that ranks 104th, allowing 394.7 ypg.
-- Fresno State safety and Ohio native Dean Clark will meet his former teammates this weekend. Clark spent three seasons at Kent State as a safety. During his time there he played 34 games and totaled 109 solo tackles in his career.
KENT STATE
-- The Flashes dominated on defense last week, holding Central Connecticut to a paltry 153 yards of offense. The Blue Devils only scores came in the fourth quarter of a 38-10 Kent State victory.
-- Jalani Williams and Khali Saunders recorded interceptions against CCU.
-- Junior Michael Alaimo completed 12 of 16 passes totaling 172 yards with one TD and one interception.
-- Trell Harris led KSU receivers with three catches for 94 yards with one TD.
-- Kent State's ground game rolled up 295 yards, averaging 5.5 ypc, and provided four TDs. Sophomore Gavin Garcia (5-8, 187) led the way with 21 carries totaling 125 yards with two scores. Jaylen Thomas had seven carries for 70 yards and a TD.
-- Wide receiver Isaiah Batton transferred to Kent State and has seen participation in two games (UCF, CCSU) in
his first season with the Golden Flashes. Batton spent two seasons with the Bulldogs 2021-22.
-- The Flashes as a result, boast a top-25 pass defense, allowing just over 173 yards per game in the air
-- KSU is averaging 16.7 ppg while allowing 31.3 ppg.
-- The Flashes have converted 40 percent of third down opportunities, while opponents were good on 55 percent.
-- Junior kicker Andrew Glass has made five of six field goal tries this year, with a long of 48.
Saturday, Sept. 23 -- 10:30 p.m. ET
Bulldog Stadium - Fresno, CA
CBSSN
After picking up its first win of 2023 last Saturday, Kent State hits the road again this week while attempting to even its non-conference record at 2-2. It's a tough matchup, with undefeated Fresno State playing host The Bulldogs (3-0) are fresh off a 29-0 road win at Arizona State.
This is the first meeting between Kent State and FSU.
FRESNO STATE
-- Fresno State won its 12th-straight game last Saturday, extending its active winning streak and keeping a hold on the second-longest streak in the FBS, behind only the top-ranked Georgia.
-- The Bulldog defense was dominant against Arizona State, forcing eight turnovers while limiting the Sun Devils to 230 yards of offense -- all on the road.
-- Senior DB Carlton Johnson picked off three ASU passes.
-- Sophomore QB Mikey Keene completed 32 of 49 passes, totaling 281 yards with two touchdowns.
-- Erik Brooks led receivers with 11 catches for 104 yards. Jalen Moss and Elijah Gilliam each recorded six catches and a TD.
-- Fresno State recorded 69 total yards rushing, led gy Elijah Gilliam's 18 trips for 69 yards.
-- FSU's Carson King averaged 51.5 yards per punt on four kicks.
-- Sophomore Dylan Lynch converted five of seven field goal tries, with a long of 50.
-- Fresno State's offense (400.3 ypg) ranks 63 nationally. It will be facing a Kent State defense that ranks 104th, allowing 394.7 ypg.
-- Fresno State safety and Ohio native Dean Clark will meet his former teammates this weekend. Clark spent three seasons at Kent State as a safety. During his time there he played 34 games and totaled 109 solo tackles in his career.
KENT STATE
-- The Flashes dominated on defense last week, holding Central Connecticut to a paltry 153 yards of offense. The Blue Devils only scores came in the fourth quarter of a 38-10 Kent State victory.
-- Jalani Williams and Khali Saunders recorded interceptions against CCU.
-- Junior Michael Alaimo completed 12 of 16 passes totaling 172 yards with one TD and one interception.
-- Trell Harris led KSU receivers with three catches for 94 yards with one TD.
-- Kent State's ground game rolled up 295 yards, averaging 5.5 ypc, and provided four TDs. Sophomore Gavin Garcia (5-8, 187) led the way with 21 carries totaling 125 yards with two scores. Jaylen Thomas had seven carries for 70 yards and a TD.
-- Wide receiver Isaiah Batton transferred to Kent State and has seen participation in two games (UCF, CCSU) in
his first season with the Golden Flashes. Batton spent two seasons with the Bulldogs 2021-22.
-- The Flashes as a result, boast a top-25 pass defense, allowing just over 173 yards per game in the air
-- KSU is averaging 16.7 ppg while allowing 31.3 ppg.
-- The Flashes have converted 40 percent of third down opportunities, while opponents were good on 55 percent.
-- Junior kicker Andrew Glass has made five of six field goal tries this year, with a long of 48.
DELAWARE STATE AT MIAMI
Saturday, Sept. 23 -- 3:30 p.m. ET
Yager Stadium - Oxford, OH
ESPN+
By MIKE SMITH
Depending upon one's point of view, last week's Miami victory over Cincinnati might be considered the RedHawks biggest win in over a decade. In recovering a Victory Bell trophy that had been in area rival Cincinnati's possession for 16 years, the RedHawks set off a huge celebration on the streets and watering holes of uptown Oxford.
As joyous as that occasion was, a part of this week's preparation for Delaware State is for the RedHawks to put the Cincinnati win behind them.
It doesn't matter who we're playing next," Miami Head Coach Chuck Martin observed Monday. "Getting back to . . . playing your best football (the) next week is hard. You have a great road win, (and) it's always hard to come back."
Delaware State's 0-3 record might also add to MU's refocusing challenge, and Martin noted his squad is "a pretty beat up football team" heading into Week Four play.
"We've got to bounce back physically. We've got to bounce back mentally. We've got to bounce back emotionally and get refocused," Martin concluded.
This is the first meeting between Miami and Delaware State.
DELAWARE STATE
-- The Hornets are an FCS-level team playing in the Mid-Eastern Athletic Conference. They were picked sixth/last in the preseason MEAC poll voted on by league head coaches and sports information directors.
-- After a season-opening 22-11 loss to Bowie State, the Hornets were shut out 57-0 at Army.
-- It was Hornets vs Spiders last week at Richmond, with the Arachnids posting a 38-6 win. Richmond scored 21 straight second quarter points while building a 24-3 halftime edge. DSU's Jonathan Cardoza-Chicas booted his second field goal of the day for the only third quarter points. Richmond then added two fourth quarter TDs to close out scoring.
-- Richmond outgained the Hornets 402-249.
-- Delaware State freshman Marqui Adams completed 12 of 23 passes, good for 140 yards with one interception.
-- Wade Inge and Myles Morales each caught three passes, combining for 102 yards.
-- Senior DB Romell Harris-Freeman and senior OL Sam Pearson were preseason First Team All-MEAC selections. Junior OL Isaiah Cook, redshirt junior LB Maurio Goings and sophomore kicker Nathan Wilson were second team members.
MIAMI
-- This is Miami's first home game of 2023.
-- The RedHawks are coming off an emotional 31-24 overtime win over Cincinnati last week. That ended a 16-year draught for Miami in the series.
-- Not only did the upset win come in front of a sold-out crowd at Nippert Stadium in Cincinnati, it was MU's first overtime ever and first win over a Big 12 team.
-- UC outgained Miami 538-358 overall, but the RedHawks red zone defense limited Cincinnati to 24 points in eight red zone trips. When Yasyn McKee blocked a Bearcat field goal try with 19 seconds remaining, it forced overtime. A Brett Gabbert-to-Joe Wilkins TD pass to plays into overtime put Miami in front 34-24. The RedHawk defense then sealed MU's win with a fourth down interception by McKee.
-- Four RedHawks had double-digit tackles against UC: Matt Salopek (18), Jacquez Warren (13) Ty Wise 10, 1 TFL) and Brian Ugwu (10, 1 TFL).
-- McKee and Corban Hondru recorded interceptions.
-- Brett Gabbert, who missed most of 2022 with injuries, was once again a key factor Saturday. He completed 12 of 20, good for 237 yards with three TDs and one interception against a physical and talented Cincinnati defense. Although not known for running, he carried nine times for a team-high 75 yards. Two of the carries set up touchdowns.
-- Gabbert's top target over the first two weeks was Gage Larvadain. The Southeast Louisiana transfer caught just one ball against UC, but that was on the first play from scrimmage and went 79 yards for a touchdown. Fortunately for MU, Three other RedHawks caught three passes apiece, combining for 145 yards and two more TDs.
-- Special teams has been a plus for Miami in recent years and was a key factor at Cincinnati. Graham Nicholson, who has not missed a field goal or extra point in 2023, hit a 20-yard field goal and four extra points. Punter Alec Belvelhimer earned MAC East Special Teams Player of the Week honors after averaging 52 yards on four punts, with three pinning the Bearcats inside their own 20. Meanwhile, McKee came through with a game-saving block on Cincinnati's field goal with 19 seconds left.
-- Through three games, the Miami offense is averaging 19.0 yards per completion, which ranks third in the country. Two weeks ago Miami threw for 302 yards on just 12 completions (25.2/completion) and last week at UC recorded 237 yards on 12 completions (19.8/completion).
Saturday, Sept. 23 -- 3:30 p.m. ET
Yager Stadium - Oxford, OH
ESPN+
By MIKE SMITH
Depending upon one's point of view, last week's Miami victory over Cincinnati might be considered the RedHawks biggest win in over a decade. In recovering a Victory Bell trophy that had been in area rival Cincinnati's possession for 16 years, the RedHawks set off a huge celebration on the streets and watering holes of uptown Oxford.
As joyous as that occasion was, a part of this week's preparation for Delaware State is for the RedHawks to put the Cincinnati win behind them.
It doesn't matter who we're playing next," Miami Head Coach Chuck Martin observed Monday. "Getting back to . . . playing your best football (the) next week is hard. You have a great road win, (and) it's always hard to come back."
Delaware State's 0-3 record might also add to MU's refocusing challenge, and Martin noted his squad is "a pretty beat up football team" heading into Week Four play.
"We've got to bounce back physically. We've got to bounce back mentally. We've got to bounce back emotionally and get refocused," Martin concluded.
This is the first meeting between Miami and Delaware State.
DELAWARE STATE
-- The Hornets are an FCS-level team playing in the Mid-Eastern Athletic Conference. They were picked sixth/last in the preseason MEAC poll voted on by league head coaches and sports information directors.
-- After a season-opening 22-11 loss to Bowie State, the Hornets were shut out 57-0 at Army.
-- It was Hornets vs Spiders last week at Richmond, with the Arachnids posting a 38-6 win. Richmond scored 21 straight second quarter points while building a 24-3 halftime edge. DSU's Jonathan Cardoza-Chicas booted his second field goal of the day for the only third quarter points. Richmond then added two fourth quarter TDs to close out scoring.
-- Richmond outgained the Hornets 402-249.
-- Delaware State freshman Marqui Adams completed 12 of 23 passes, good for 140 yards with one interception.
-- Wade Inge and Myles Morales each caught three passes, combining for 102 yards.
-- Senior DB Romell Harris-Freeman and senior OL Sam Pearson were preseason First Team All-MEAC selections. Junior OL Isaiah Cook, redshirt junior LB Maurio Goings and sophomore kicker Nathan Wilson were second team members.
MIAMI
-- This is Miami's first home game of 2023.
-- The RedHawks are coming off an emotional 31-24 overtime win over Cincinnati last week. That ended a 16-year draught for Miami in the series.
-- Not only did the upset win come in front of a sold-out crowd at Nippert Stadium in Cincinnati, it was MU's first overtime ever and first win over a Big 12 team.
-- UC outgained Miami 538-358 overall, but the RedHawks red zone defense limited Cincinnati to 24 points in eight red zone trips. When Yasyn McKee blocked a Bearcat field goal try with 19 seconds remaining, it forced overtime. A Brett Gabbert-to-Joe Wilkins TD pass to plays into overtime put Miami in front 34-24. The RedHawk defense then sealed MU's win with a fourth down interception by McKee.
-- Four RedHawks had double-digit tackles against UC: Matt Salopek (18), Jacquez Warren (13) Ty Wise 10, 1 TFL) and Brian Ugwu (10, 1 TFL).
-- McKee and Corban Hondru recorded interceptions.
-- Brett Gabbert, who missed most of 2022 with injuries, was once again a key factor Saturday. He completed 12 of 20, good for 237 yards with three TDs and one interception against a physical and talented Cincinnati defense. Although not known for running, he carried nine times for a team-high 75 yards. Two of the carries set up touchdowns.
-- Gabbert's top target over the first two weeks was Gage Larvadain. The Southeast Louisiana transfer caught just one ball against UC, but that was on the first play from scrimmage and went 79 yards for a touchdown. Fortunately for MU, Three other RedHawks caught three passes apiece, combining for 145 yards and two more TDs.
-- Special teams has been a plus for Miami in recent years and was a key factor at Cincinnati. Graham Nicholson, who has not missed a field goal or extra point in 2023, hit a 20-yard field goal and four extra points. Punter Alec Belvelhimer earned MAC East Special Teams Player of the Week honors after averaging 52 yards on four punts, with three pinning the Bearcats inside their own 20. Meanwhile, McKee came through with a game-saving block on Cincinnati's field goal with 19 seconds left.
-- Through three games, the Miami offense is averaging 19.0 yards per completion, which ranks third in the country. Two weeks ago Miami threw for 302 yards on just 12 completions (25.2/completion) and last week at UC recorded 237 yards on 12 completions (19.8/completion).
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