Kent State downs Bowling Green

Josh Johnston

Sophomore quarterback Spencer Keith and the offense scored three times and the Kent State defense held Bowling Green to 135 total yards as the Flashes (3-4, 2-2 Mid-American Conference) defeated the Falcons, 30-6.

Keith, who struggled in the second half last week against Toledo, completed 26 of 32 passes for 223 yards and two touchdowns. The sophomore quarterback found sophomore receiver Tyshon Goode 12 times for 158 yards and two touchdowns.

The sophomores connected on touchdown passes of three and 28 yards, while Goode set a career high in receptions.

While the passing game took a step forward, the defense excelled despite missing a starting defensive back.

With 4:32 left in the first quarter, freshman safety Luke Wollet intercepted a Bowling Green (1-7, 0-4 MAC) pass in Falcon territory. Keith and the Flashes took over at the 40-yard line and finished a three-play drive with a one-yard touchdown run by the signal caller. The touchdown gave Kent State a 10-6 lead they

would not surrender.

Wollet, who made his first career start in place of injured senior safety Dan Hartman, led the Flashes with 10 tackles and an interception before leaving with an ankle injury in the third quarter.

After allowing 44 yards in the first half, the Kent State defense continued its strong play in the second half. Bowling Green freshman quarterback Matt Schilz completed 18 of 35 passes with 118 yards and two interceptions.

Schilz was uncomfortable in the pocket throughout the game as the Flashes sacked the freshman six times and added four quarterback hurries.

Freshman defensive tackle Roosevelt Nix broke the sack record for a first-year defensive lineman after bringing down Schilz twice. Nix has 8.5 sacks through seven games this season, while not starting in one contest.

After collapsing in the second half against Toledo last week, the Flashes did not allow Bowling Green within their 25-yard line. Kent State allowed just 10 yards rushing in the second half, and -10 on the day.

The win moves the Flashes within a game and a half of first place in the MAC East.