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For two teams who play in the same conference, these two teams certainly do not play each other very often, splitting the series in the past two matchups, with those coming in the last ten years. Weeknight #MACtion never seeems to dsappoint, and here's to tonight's slate of MAC games does not either.
Kent State comes into this game with two opportunities to show signs of improvement to end the season, this game against Central Michigan, and next week the battle for the Wagon Wheel against the University of Akron. For Coach Haynes and the rest of the staff, finishing this disappointing season strongly is something that is crucial to the future of this program.
For Central Michigan, they are coming off a close 28-23 loss to a Toledo team that just beat BGSU last night.For CMU, one more win and they are bowl eligible. With a matchup against Eastern Michigan looming next week, this is far from a must-win for the program in order to secure postseason play. Last season is a great example, however, that 6-6 is not always good enough to get the call for a bowl game (Looking at you, UAB) so a win here would be nice for the Chips.
Quick Game Info
Game Date, Time: Wednesday, November 18th, 2015 at 8 p.m Eastern Standard Time
Location: Dix Stadium in Kent, Ohio.
Television: The game will be broadcast on ESPNU, as well as ESPN3.com and the WatchESPN app. the last two mentioned both need valid cable logins for them to work.
Radio: Kent State fans can listen to the game live on the Golden Flashes iHeart radio station. Central fans can tune into a large list of available stations, most notably 95.3 WCFX FM.
Odds: Most sites have Central Michigan favored by about 10 points.
Players to Watch
Cooper Rush (QB, CMU) This Central Michigan offense goes as Cooper Rush goes. Rush, who is almost guaranteed to eclipse the 3,000 yard mark during this game, has been the measuring stick for this Chips offense all season. If he is able to solve this Kent State defense which has shown vulnerability the past few weeks, this one could get out of hand rather quickly.
Martez Walker (RB, CMU) Walker has been the Chips only viable running threat all season. It is going to be important for this offense to establish the run game in order to open up holes for Cooper Rush and company. Pass protection will also be key.
George Bollas (QB, Kent State) Bollas has been tabbed as the quarterback of the future for this Kent State team, and he also has a very strong grip on the now of this program as well. Bollas bursted onto the scene earlier this season, and as a redshirt freshman, he is going to have plenty of chances to improve throughout his time in Kent. Bollas needs to make better decisions, and avoid turnovers if he is going to be able to lead the Flashes to an upset.
Demetrius Monday (CB, Kent State) What more is there to say about Mr. Monday himself? He is the most explosive weapon on this entire Kent State team, and he has the ability to take points off the score board, as well as putting them on if he is able to get the ball in his hands. Monday is going to have his hands full against a tough WR Corps coming from Mt. Pleasant, and how he and Najee Murray are able to contain the Chips offense from big gains will be a telling stat as to who wins/loses this Wednesday night #MACtion game.