Kent State is poised to become bowl eligible for the first time in 39 years, and it’s right around the midpoint of the season. It has been a historical start for the Flashes, and fans are rushing to the ticket stands for a chance to see the team in action.

The Flashes host the Western Michigan University Broncos in the annual homecoming game starting 3:30 p.m Saturday at Dix Stadium.

Tickets are selling fast for the game, and head coach Darrell Hazell said he expects strong energy from the crowd when the Flashes kick off Saturday afternoon.

“I think [a sellout] will happen,” Hazell said. “It would be really nice. We’ve had great crowds this season, and the players feed off the energy and excitement of those crowds. It’s going to be a great atmosphere, and our guys will be fired up and ready to go.”

A crowd of 21,657 was in attendance during Kent State’s last home game Sept. 29, when the Flashes pulled off a last-second 45-43 victory over Ball State.

Junior linebacker Luke Batton said he thinks there will be a crowd similar to the one that watched Kent State defeat Akron at Dix Stadium two years ago.

“It was one of the more fun games I’ve been a part of,” Batton said. “I feel like that’s what it’s going to be like on Saturday — a beautiful day and a sellout crowd.”

Junior safety Luke Wollet also played in the Kent versus Akron game, two years ago, in front of a sold-out crowd, and Wollet said it was something he’ll never forget.

“I’m looking for that kind of memory this weekend.” Wollet said. “Last year we started 1-6, and it was hard to get 200 people in the stands. Now we’re 5-1, and we’re really excited that people want to be a part of it. We’re grateful for that.”

Preparing for the Broncos

Western Michigan holds a record of 3-4 this season, including a 0-3 start in road games. Hazell said despite their inconsistency, the Broncos will pose a formidable challenge to the Flashes.

“They throw the ball extremely well,” Hazell said. “They like to use a lot of different formations and give you fits. They were a bowl team last year, so we have to come out and execute on all three phases of our game.”

The Broncos are without senior quarterback Alex Carder, who injured his finger during a game against Connecticut on Sept. 22. Junior quarterback Tyler Van Tubbergen has started the last three games for the Broncos.

The Flashes will look to continue their success in their running game, led by the combination of junior Dri Archer and sophomore Trayion Durham. Kent State is fifth in the Mid-American Conference in total rushing yards with 1,292 yards.

Tiggle out with knee injury

Junior safety Calvin Tiggle will miss an undisclosed amount of games after injuring his knee last week against the Army Black Knights.

Hazell said Tiggle underwent an MRI Monday, but had yet to speak with the trainers about the extent of the injury. Hazell added that Tiggle will be reassessed after Saturday’s game.

Freshman safety Jordan Italiano is expected to start in place of Tiggle, and Wollet said he feels Italiano is prepared for the opportunity.

“He knows what he’s doing, and he’s really proven himself throughout all the practices,” Wollet said. “It’s an exciting opportunity for him. Calvin will be missed, but I think Jordan can do the job.”

Contact Tim Dorst at [email protected].