Sports
Ohio Offense Trys to Stay Hot Against Kent State
By: Matt Summers
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The Ohio Bobcats (5-2, 2-1) welcome the Kent State Golden Flashes (2-5, 1-2) into Peden Stadium this Saturday to begin a stretch of three straight homes.
Ohio is a week removed from a 48-30 road victory against the Bowling Green State Falcons, where sophomore quarterback Nathan Rourke completed seven passes, but couldn’t be stopped on the ground. Rourke rushed 143 yards on eight carries, with four total touchdowns. Even if Rourke struggles early against the Golden Flashes, the Ohio defense should keep the Bobcats in the thick of things thanks to a Kent State offense that has struggled mightily this season.
In the Golden Flashes five losses, their offense has mustered a measly 4.4 points per game, lowlighted by a shut out against Marshall. Granted, they’ve faced a tough schedule having played Clemson and Louisville on the road, but their only two wins have come against Howard and Miami (OH), both at home.
Another key factor is the turnover battle. On the season, Kent State has more turnovers than touchdowns (11 turnovers, eight touchdowns). For comparison, Ohio has had 34 touchdowns to 12 turnovers.
It doesn’t get much better on the other side of the ball for the Golden Flashes either. The defense gives up an average of 30 points per game, while the Ohio attack averages 39 points per game, placing them 16th in the national.
Kick-off is scheduled for 2:00 p.m. at Peden Stadium where MAC East Offensive Player of the Week Nathan Rourke will go under center looking to keep Ohio near the top of the MAC East standings.