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Ohio's defense collides with Buffalo's quarterback C.J. Ogbonna.
Ohio’s defense collides with Buffalo’s quarterback C.J. Ogbonna. [HG Biggs | WOUB Public Media]

Ohio looks to become bowl eligible in matchup with Kent State

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ATHENS, Ohio (WOUB) — The Ohio Bobcats (5-3, 3-1 MAC) are looking for their sixth win to become bowl eligible. They travel to Dix Stadium to face the Kent State Golden Flashes (0-8, 0-4) in a midweek MACtion battle on Wednesday. 

Ohio is coming off a 47-16 dominating win over Buffalo. The Bobcats were firing on all cylinders and will look to keep that momentum going. Head Coach Tim Albin says Ohio is focused heading into this week’s game.

“It’s a business trip, let’s prepare the right way and let’s go take care of business the best we can,” Albin said.

After putting up forty points for the first time this season, Ohio will look to repeat that. The offense has found constant success on the ground throughout the season and will have another chance on Wednesday. The Kent State run defense ranks dead last in the FBS, allowing 264.5 rushing yards per game. With starting running back Anthony Tyus out due to injury, the dual backfield of Rickey Hunt Jr. and Nolan McCormick will look to thrive.  

Freshman Safety DJ Walker celebrates after a turnover [Conor Mallonn | WOUB Public Media]
On the other side of the ball the Ohio defense had another strong showing last week, especially the defensive line. They were able to gather four sacks and seven tackles for loss. Shay Taylor had his best game of the season; he led the team in tackles and added a pick-six. Winning the turnover battle has been something the Bobcats have looked to do each game and will be another key factor against the Golden Flashes. 

Kent State is looking for their first win against a FBS opponent since 2022. Even through all the adversity, the Golden Flashes have had their most success at home, even if it has not equated to wins.  

After losing two quarterbacks to season ending injuries, junior Tommy Ulatowski stepped in to the starting roll. His performance at home this season has been considerably better than when he has been on the road. In his two starts at home he has combined for 739 passing yards, 7 touchdowns, and 1 interception. But for his two starts on the road he has combined for 192 passing yards, 3 touchdowns, and 4 interceptions. Ulatowski will need another strong showing at home to give Kent State their first win of the season.  

The Golden Flashes will look to turn this game into a high-scoring one, as their defense has struggled tremendously. They have allowed 46.6 points per game which ranks last in FBS, and they have given up over fifty points, five times this season.  

At the end of the day, anything is possible during midweek MACtion. The Bobcats will have to stayed focus, and not look past a Kent State team that has found success at home.