Friday Night Lights: Central Michigan at Kent State
Tonight the Kent State Golden Flashes (2-6, 1-3) play host to the Central Michigan Chippewas (3-6, 2-3) in a Mid-American Conference clash (ESPN2, 8 p.m. ET). At this point, both teams are longshots to win their divisions this year, but a win on national television would be a highlight in a season of rebuilding.
Kent State enters the game coming off a surprising home victory over Bowling Green (27-15). Entering the game, the Flashes had yet to beat a FBS opponent. Their lone victory was a 33-25 win over South Alabama. The Flashes’ problems have been on the offensive side of the ball where they rank 119th in scoring (12.75 ppg) and 120th in total offense (197.88 ypg).
The defense, anchored by defensive lineman Roosevelt Nix, is ranked 32nd in the country in total defense (337.00 ypg). This season has played out much like last year when the Flashes’ defense ranked 10th in the country in total defense while the offense ranked 102nd in total offense.
After winning three MAC championships between 2006 and 2009, the Chippewas are 6-15 the past two seasons. Second-year head coach Dan Enos doesn’t have the likes of quarterback Dan LeFevour and wide receiver Antonio Brown, but their struggles have still been surprising.
Central Michigan snapped its second three-game losing streak this season last week with a 23-22 win over Akron. Quarterback Ryan Radcliffe has thrown for 2,375 yards along with 17 touchdowns and 12 interceptions this season. Radcliffe and the Chippewas will need to protect the ball better, they rank 114th in turnover margin at -1 per game.
Central has the ability to put points on the board, as was seen in their surprising 48-41 win against Northern Illinois. Kent will not want to get into a track meet with Central Michigan or it will be a long night at Dix Stadium for the home team.
Central Michigan has won three of the last four meeting between the schools dating back to 1998. Tonight’s game will mark on the third meeting between the two schools in Kent since 1997. The teams split those two meetings.