Akron, Ohio - Kent State's second half turnovers proved costly in Akron's 27-20 victory over the Golden Flashes Saturday (Sept. 22) at the Rubber Bowl. Sophomore tailback Eugene Jarvis rumbled for 159 yards and a pair of touchdowns in the loss.
The Flashes’ had a chance to tie the game as time expired, but Julian Edelman’s pass into the end zone was intercepted.
The Flashes out-gained the Zips by 130 yards (375-245), but were hampered by four turnovers, including a pair late in the game deep in Akron territory.
Jarvis out-gained the Zips in the first half all by himself (95-91), including a five-yard touchdown jaunt to cap off a 76-yard drive late in the first quarter.
However, that would be the only time KSU reached the end zone in the opening 30 minutes as the defenses dominated. Akron was able to take advantage of a late Edelman fumble at his own 33, scoring three plays later to knot the score with just 53 seconds remaining before the half.
After the Zips fumbled deep in their own territory to open the second half, Jarvis punched it in from one yard out to put the Flashes up 14-7.
The teams would trade field goals as KSU headed into the fourth quarter with a 17-10 advantage. However, facing a fourth-and-three from Kent State’s 25, Akron’s Carlton Jackson found Jabari Arthur open in the end zone on the first play of the quarter to tie the game again.
On the Flashes’ first play of the ensuing drive, Reggie Corner picked off Edelman and returned it 43 yards to the KSU two, setting up an Alex Allen touchdown plunge two plays later.
After both teams connected on field goals, the Flashes were driving for the potential tying score when Jarvis fumbled at the end of a 14-yard reception and Akron recovered at their own 29 with 5:47 remaining.
The Zips were able to run 4:11 off the clock before punting for a touchback with 1:36 left in the game.
Despite having no time outs remaining, Kent State was able to drive to the Akron 36 before the desperation pass to end the game.
Jarvis has topped the 100-yard mark in all four of the Flashes games this season, and now has a MAC-best 539 rushing yards.
Courtesy: Tom Cammett/Diamond Images, Inc.
