The Kent State football team has completed the first half of its conference schedule without a win after a 52-21 defeat to the Western Michigan Broncos (5-3, 4-0). Though the Flashes fell to 0-4 in Mid-American-Conference play, the team set a season-high in rush yards with 136 yards.

The Flashes were again unable to strike first, as Western Michigan raced out to a 14-0 lead in just over 10 minutes.

Kent was unable to stop the bleeding, allowing the Broncos to score 24 more points before the Flashes were able to score a touchdown late in the second quarter to make the halftime score 38-7. Each team scored 14 second-half points to make the final score 52-21.

Turnovers were an issue for the offense, now totaling 12 in its last four games. The offense turned the ball over just three times in its first four games.

Junior quarterback Tommy Ulatowski completed half of his passes, going 12-for-24 for 114 yards, three touchdowns and two interceptions.

Redshirt senior running back Ky Thomas led the way on the ground with 62 yards on 15 carries. The team averaged just 3.49 yards on 39 attempts, but the 136 yards on the ground are the most Kent State has rushed for since Oct. 14 of last season.

The defense’s 569 yards allowed are the most allowed against a non-Power Four school this season. The interception by freshman linebacker Jayden Studio late in the first half was the first turnover forced by the Kent defense in conference play.

The Flashes will return home to begin their weeknight schedule Nov. 6 at 7 p.m. against the Ohio Bobcats (5-3, 3-1).

Demetri Manousos is a reporter. Contact him at [email protected].