Kent State’s backup quarterback freshman Devin Kargman led his team to its fourth consecutive Wagon Wheel victory Saturday at Dix Stadium. The Flashes beat Akron 33-27. 

This was the first start of his collegiate career. He finished with 213 passing yards and two touchdowns. 

Redshirt junior QB Collin Schlee, who has thrown for 1,548 yards and eight touchdowns this season, had started in all seven of the team’s previous games. He is out with a right-knee injury. This year is his first collegiate starting season.

The Flashes beat Akron 33-27 after a 21-point second quarter. They are now 3-5 on the season and 2-2 in the Mid-American Conference. Akron is 1-7 overall and last in the MAC East at 0-4.

Kent State had possession first. Junior running back Marquez Cooper, who was ranked 12th nationally going into Saturday, brought KSU to the 37-yard line. The drive ended with a missed field goal by sophomore kicker Andrew Glass on a 37-yard field goal attempt.

Akron scored on the very first play of the team’s offensive drive with an 80-yard touchdown pass. The score was 7-0 at 11:12.  

Kent State was down 10-0 by 10:52 in the second quarter. Less than two minutes later, redshirt junior running back Bryan Bradford rushed 58 yards for KSU’s first touchdown of the afternoon. Redshirt sophomore wide receiver Devontez Walker scored two touchdowns off passes from Kargman by the half. 

With 27 seconds left in the second quarter, Kent State led 21-17. Akron’s quarterback redshirt sophomore DJ Irons had rushed five yards for a touchdown with 1:48 seconds left. 

Kent State scored twice in the third quarter with a third touchdown from Walker and sophomore kicker Andrew Glass’ first field goal of the game. With 2:41 seconds left, Irons rushed in for a touchdown. 

Glass put KSU up 33-24 at 11:44 in the fourth quarter with his second field goal.

Kent State only gave up one field goal the rest of the battle. Its defense came up with two interceptions on the game.  

Jacob Hansen is a reporter. Contact him at [email protected].