Top Five Wagon Wheel Victories: #4 1954
Kent State's Nov. 6, 1954 walloping of the Akron Zips was to mark the end of the 22-game rivalry series. The route saw KSU come out on top 58-18, while setting three new records in the process.
The new team scoring record was set when 58 points were added to the season total to reach 277. In their romp that night, Lou Mariano, who was presented with the ball after the game, led the Flashes. Nicknamed the Silent Ghost of the gridiron, he scored his 86th point of the season to top the old record of 78, set by Jack Mancos in 1951. Mariano also reached a total of 877 yards, battering the old mark of 822 yards gained by Jim Cullom in 1952.
The 1954 season showed great success for the Flashes, with an overall record of 8-2 under Head Coach Trevor Rees. This football team also saw its first postseason play in the Refrigerator Bowl against the University of Delaware Blue Hens in Evansville, Indiana. KSU lost 19-7, but for many, the excitement of seeing KSU in a bowl game far outweighed the disappointment of the loss.
While the rivalry was re-established in 1972, this contest marked the end for a period of 18 seasons.
