***Correction: Statistics regarding Kent State quarterback Julian Edelman’s performance in Saturday’s game are incorrect. Edelman had 14 completions on 22 attempts with 141 yards. The error occurred in the reporting process. ***

Converting on big plays on both offense and defense earned the Kent State football team its second straight win, 38-3, against Bowling Green this afternoon.

“I’m really proud of our football team,” Kent State coach Doug Martin said. “I think I was nine years old the last time Kent State won at Bowling Green, it was 1972. We talked about that, starting a new tradition at Kent State.”

Along with a new tradition, the Flashes are in a new position. With the win, Kent State is No. 1 in the Mid-American Conference East Division.

The Flashes got to work early to earn the victory.

On the first possession, the Falcons easily moved the chains until the Flashes (2-2, 2-0 MAC) stopped the drive on 4th and 6 to get the ball.

About 30 seconds later, wide receiver Shawn Bayes ran 79-yards for a touchdown.

The second Kent State scoring drive started off a good defensive play as well. Usama Young intercepted a pass by Bowling Green quarterback Freddy Barnes to give possession back to Kent State.

Then Kent State quarterback Julian Edelman drove the flashes down the field, converting on two fourth and long plays to keep the Kent State possession alive.

He capped the series with a 5-yard pass to Brian Bell. Edelman finished the games with 104 yards passing on 11 completions after 16 attempts and no interceptions.

The sophomore quarterback also earned his second rushing touchdown of the season, with less than a minute before halftime.

Bowling Green got its only score in the second quarter. Kicker Sean Ellis made a 31-yard field goal avoid the shutout.

In the second half the Flashes defensive effort continued, as well as the scoring.

Another interception in the third quarter, this time by strong-side safety Andre Kirkland, led to a 21-yard field goal by kicker Reid Macho.

In the fourth, the Flashes defense continued to lead to a scoring offense. Fritz Jacques forced a fumble by running back Chris Bullock. Safety Gary Ham recovered the fumble and ran 36-yards to give the Flashes a 31-3 lead.

Jon Drager rushed 4 yards for the final Kent State touchdown with 2:00 minutes left in the game.

Read Monday’s edition of the Daily Kent Stater for more coverage of the game.

Contact football reporter Deanna Stevens at [email protected].