The Kent State football team has not had a year one would call successful. Through 11 games, the Flashes stand at 3-8 and 2-5 in the Mid-American Conference.

None of that matters when it comes to playing against rival Akron (6-5, 4-3 MAC).

“It’s Akron week,” coach Paul Haynes said. “This is one of those game where you throw out all the records, the stats and all the rest. It comes down to who executes the best.”

After taking home a 27-24 win last year, the Flashes come into the game a 10.5-point underdog going into the road game.

“This isn’t one of those type of games that you have to motivate,” Haynes said. “If you have to motivate for this one, you’re in trouble.”

Sophomore quarterback Thomas Woodson leads the Zips with 1,894 passing yards and 15 touchdowns. Senior running back Conor Hundley adds 785 yards and 9 rushing touchdowns.

For Haynes, this rivalry means a little bit more, seeing that he has been a part of it as both a player and a coach.

“As a player, you’re preparing to go out there and actually play, as a coach, you’re making sure that they are prepared,” Haynes said. 

“The emotion part of it is a little bit different, but as far as in my heart and how much it means to me, there’s really no difference.”

Kick-off is at noon on Friday at InfoCision Stadium – Summa Field.

Stephen Means is a sports reporter for The Kent Stater. Contact him at [email protected]