The Wagon Wheel: Great rivalry ... and Conspiracy Theory? Plus a look ahead to basketball season

The 43rd battle for the Wagon Wheel is a little more than 24 hours away, and the renewal of the rivalry with Akron has helped to spice up the atmosphere in the M.A.C. Center hallways and on the practice field at Dix Stadium.

I'm sure it's the same at the University of Akron. Both teams are obviously trying to salvage some good feelings from what have been frustrating seasons, and a rivalry win will always do the trick.

At Kent State, the T-shirts are out and featuring the usual "Beat Akron" on the front in gold with blue trim. On the back the shirts have the image of the Wagon Wheel with "three years" along with the number of days "and counting." The obvious hope is this year's seniors will be the first class to beat Akron for four straight years since 1954.

Those seniors have been addressing their teammates at the end of each practice, explaining about what winning the Wagon Wheel means to them and talking about the effort it takes to win in the rivalry with Akron. I watched Darius Polk's speech after practice on Wednesday, and he seemed to get the point across. 

This game always brings back memories for me. I've covered quite a few of these Wagon Wheel battles both for the Record-Courier as a beat writer and now in my new role as director of new media at Kent State. 

My favorite game is the 2003 game at the old Rubber Bowl in Akron. That was by far the best atmosphere for a Kent State-Akron game in my time on the beat. It was the first game of the season, and there was sill plenty of hope on both sidelines. There was also plenty of NFL talent on the field, including Joshua Cribbs, who led a late comeback that was capped by a key punt return from Jon Drager to set up a game-winning field goal by Travis Mayle.

What some might not remember was that the Wagon Wheel was lost around that time. After it was found, I got a tip to call former Zips men's basketball coach Dan Hipsher to get the true story about its recovery.

Hipsher had been getting breakfast at his favorite greasy spoon restaurant in Akron when a shaggy-dressed man walked up to him and said he had something that might be of interest. The guy asked Hipsher to walk out with him to his van. It was still somewhat dark, and Hipsher wasn't exactly comfortable with the idea. But for those of you who remember Hipsher, he was a pretty big guy, and after thinking about it for a second, he was pretty sure he could overpower the stranger if there was some sort of ulterior motive to the invitation.

The guy flipped open the back door of his van, and there was the Wagon Wheel. He told Hipsher he had found it in the bushes around the Rubber Bowl after the game. So the fact that we still have a Wagon Wheel as the prize for this rivalry game is all thanks to former Akron coach Dan Hipsher and some stranger in Akron. Although some conspiracy theorists might argue that.

It's already one of the craziest stories I ever told in the Record-Courier.  But to add to the craziness, there are still some Kent State fans who insist the whole story was a cover up.

They believe the Wagon Wheel was never recovered and that the Flashes and Zips currently compete for a replacement wheel. Their "proof" is that the wheel doesn't look the way they remember it. Of course, those same fans probably poured over Beatles album covers in the late 60's to prove that Paul McCartney really was dead.

I like listening to conspiracy theorists and their advocates like Art Bell and Jesse Ventura. I'm willing to listen to claims that there are such things like black helicopters or that Lee Harvey Oswald was a dupe. But I'm also convinced the current Wagon Wheel is also the real Wagon Wheel. 

What are your favorite memories from the Wagon Wheel series?

DON'T FORGET … the Kent State football game at Akron is just one of the points being contested on Saturday in the PNC Wagon Wheel Challenge. 

The Golden Flashes lead the Zips 1.5-to-0. A second half-point on the line Saturday night when Akron visits Kent State in volleyball. The Flashes already earned a half point in volleyball with a win at Akron earlier this season. 

And with the MAC Cross Country Championship contested in Bowling Green on Saturday, the head-to-head battles between the men and women from Kent State and Akron will yield two points.

It would be nice to put an early strangle hold on the trophy that currently resides in Kent.

What do you expect this weekend from the different Kent State and Akron teams?

BASKETBALL SEASON STARTS NEXT WEEK … and I can't wait.

I'm looking forward to seeing improvement from Kent State's women's basketball team in the second year under Danielle O'Banion. The roster has been overhauled with plenty of new faces. CiCi Shannon's face isn't exactly new, in that she was on the roster last year. After sitting out under NCAA rules following her transfer from Southern Illinois, she'll play her first game in a Kent State uniform on Wednesday when the Flashes host Walsh College.

The 6-foot-4 Shannon could have an immediate impact. Whenever I've peeked into practice, she has looked bring some valuable athleticism and intensity. She can be a defensive stopper, considering she led the Missouri Valley Conference in blocked shots at 2.2 per game. She looks like she takes that role very seriously.

It's an interesting early schedule for O'Banion's team. After Walsh, the Flashes take on two teams with postseason experience from last season. Eastern Kentucky played in the Women's Basketball Invitational, losing a tight game to Elon. Duquesne played in the Women's NIT, beating Akron in Pittsburgh in round one before losing to Bowling Green to close a 24-8 season. 

Eastern Kentucky visits the M.A.C. Center on Sunday, Nov. 10.

Duquesne is in town on Thursady, Nov. 14.

What are your expectations and hopes for O'Banion's team this season?

THE MEN'S BASKETBALL OPENER ... follows on Nov. 8 with a home game against Division III Ohio Northern.

That opener is a good opportunity for fans to get a first look at several newcomers, including former Central Michigan guard Derek Jackson. The transfer has wowed in practice early with his ability to defend. Jackson is my early pick for defensive player of the year in the MAC. He will be among the conference leaders in steals.

The Flashes could be loaded at guard with the return of Kris Brewer, a stronger and more confident Dev Manley, the return to health of Kellon Thomas with a year under his belt, another sharpshooter in K.K. Simmons, and the MAC version of former NBA swingman Johnny Newman in sophomore junior-college transfer Devin Carter.

The big question is in the front court. So far, there are some encouraging signs in practice. Mark Henniger is stronger. He has been making some crafty-veteran plays around the rim. Melvin Tabb can make a big jump, as most junior-college transfers do in their second seasons in Kent. Khaliq Spicer continues to improve. He has also added some strength.

Jimmy Hall's early play in practice has me excited about the future in the post. The Hofstra transfer has a game that is reminiscent of Justin Greene. Ironically, like Greene, he is from Brooklyn. Hall should benefit from being around the program for a year, and then Kent State should be very lucky to have him on the court for three more seasons. I like him.

What are you most interested in finding out about Rob Senderoff's team as we get set to open a new season?

Kent State vs. Buffalo Live Blog

FOURTH QUARTER

12:58 ... Hold on, it's not over yet. Kent State is starting to show some poise and pull it together after a frustrating stretch of about 11 minutes.

A Colin Reardon-to-Tyshon Goode touchdown pass has cut the Bulls' lead to 34-21 with 12:58 to play .. That's still a lot of time, but they have to avoid shooting themselves in their own feet.

A personal foul after the touchdown called against offensive lineman Phil Huff forced Kent State to kick off from its own 10, and after a short kick and a 38-yard return by Ross, the Bulls will start at the Flashes 39.

... and as I type, the Bulls extend the lead again with an all-too-quick answer ... Licata to a wide-open Hughes for a 30-yard touchdown and a 41-21 lead.

BUFFALO 41, KENT STATE 21

5:08 ... Buffalo will try to move the chains on 4th-and-4 from the Kent State 24. Incomplete.

Reardon and the offense back on the field, and a 30-yard hookup to Humphries. Unfortunately a bit too little, too late.

Take away the two critical interceptions and Reardon has had a nice game ... 20-of-30, 260 yards and a touchdown to this point.

THIRD QUARTER

7:03 ... Not the start to the second half Kent State needed. 

That finish to the second quarter was clearly pretty deflating. The offense hasn't shown much life in its first two possessions, and the defense was gashed for some big plays by Oliver, including a 38-yard touchdown that extended the Bulls lead to 27-7.

The Flashes are also showing their frustration with a personal foul penalty at the end of a kickoff that forced them to start drive No. 3 of the second half at their own 7 yard line.

And with 6:13 to play, the wheels may be falling off as Reardon threw an up-for-grabs interception to Cortney Lester. It was a bad throw, but the Flashes didn't do a good job of protecting their quarterback as Khalil Mack ran right past Trayion Durham.

4:55 ... Oliver with another touchdown run – a 4-yarder to put the Bulls ahead 34-7.

3:12 ... Dri Archer gives Kent State some hope with a 17-yard touchdown run to cap a quick drive.

That hope is a bit short lived, however, as Ross returns the ensuing kickoff 36 yards to the Kent State 44 ... a couple of completions by Licata has the Bulls right back in the red zone at the KSU 10.

0:55 ... A little bit of help as Buffalo's Clarke misses a 33-yard field goal wide right.

SECOND QUARTER

14:27 ... Kent State has had a tough time picking up the tough inside yards, but today the Golden Flashes take the lead on a 4-yard run by Trayion Durham. 

The Flashes spread it out on 1st-and-goal. Wide splits, and Durham had a big lane to the goal line between left guard and center.

KENT STATE 7, BUFFALO 6

13:04 ... Buffalo didn't take long to answer the Kent State score. 

A 49-yard throw from Licata to Neutz set up a 5-yard touchdown run by Branden Oliver to put the Bulls back into the lead.

Dylan Farrington ran step for step with Neutz on the up-for-grabs throw and appeared to be in position to make a play on the football. I'm not sure if he stumbled at the last minute, but Neutz ended up making the catch without a great deal of difficulty.

5:27 ... Kent State's defense comes up with a couple of plays to force a punt ... including a big pass break up by Wollet on a deep throw to tight end Mason Schreck that would have gone for 45-plus yards.

Schreck then dropped a pass on 3rd-and-9. Up until that point, the Bulls were 4-for-5 on third down.

0:08 ... A big 10-to-14-point swing to close the first half.

A nice drive late had Kent State in position to take the lead at halftime or cut into the Buffalo lead.

A 24-yard throw to Archer and a 15-yard, back-shoulder throw to Tyshon Goode, followed by a pass interference call on a throw to Casey Pierce at the goal line had the Flashes set up with a 1st-and-10 at the Buffalo 14 with a little less than a minute to go before the half.

That's when Reardon made a critical mistake, trying to force a throw to what was either his second or third option. The pass was picked by Khalil Mack and returned 45 yards to the Kent State 46.

Just 29 seconds and five plays later, Buffalo was in the end zone and ahead 20-7.

Making the score all the more disappointing was the fact that Branden Oliver's 17-yard touchdown run with 8 seconds to go came on 3rd-and-10.

Instead of ahead by a point with a touchdown or down by just four after a field goal, and with Buffalo kicking off to them to start the second half, the Flashes find themselves behind by 20-7 and in need of some poise to overcome a frustrating turn of events.

FIRST QUARTER

9:09 ... Punts on the first series for both teams.

A sloppy start for the Kent State offense, getting off schedule on the first series with a false start penalty. Buffalo declined another penalty (ineligible man downfield) to force a 3rd-and-7, but the Flashes still moved the chains with a throw from Colin Reardon to Dri Archer. 

The little drag route to Archer could have gone for a big gain, but Buffalo defensive back Dwellie Striggles tripped up Archer just as he was about to hit full stride.

For Kent State's defense, Roosevelt Nix did not start, but he trotted out onto the field for the second play of the game.

Dylan Farrington was in the starting lineup at cornerback after missing last week to injury.

3:02 ... Buffalo scores first on a six-minute, 13-play, 80-yard drive that ended with a Joe Licata-to-Alex Neutz touchdown pass of 8 yards.

We didn't see Nix on the drive until Buffalo reached the red zone with a first down at the 16-yard line.

If his back is hurting, it didn't show as a he blew up a second-down run, dropping Oliver for a 2-yard loss.

It was also Nix who blocked the extra point by Buffalo's Patrick Clarke. He was in so fast that he almost took the ball out of the hands of holder Tyler Grassman.

Inability to get off of the field on third-and-long again hurt Kent State. Buffalo faced 3rd-and-11 early in the drive and converted easily on a 24-yard throw from Licata to Fred Lee, who was running free in the Kent State secondary.

BUFFALO 7, KENT STATE 0

0:00 ... Kent State will face a 3rd-and-2 at the Buffalo 12 when the second quarter starts.

The Flashes were lined up in a jumbo set with Trayion Durham at tailback when the first quarter ended without getting off the play. That's a set that has given Kent State some problems in recent weeks.

Reardon has been sharp in his return from an ankle injury. The key to this drive was a perfectly-thrown seam route to Josh Boyle for 35 yards.

As the second quarter resumes, Reardon on the bootleg picks up the first down at the Buffalo 4.

PREGAME

2:55 p.m. ... As expected, Colin Reardon is in uniform. He is moving well and throwing the football well here in pregame. He looks like he is ready.

The rest of the team just took the field, and Roosevelt Nix is also in uniform, also as expected. Not sure if he will start, but he should play. He is streching at the 35-yard line. Elton Alexander: "Nix looks rather lively."

Reardon needs to be spry on that injured ankle facing one of the better defenses in the MAC. At linebacker, Khalil Mack has 6 sacks and Adam Redden has 3 1/2, and at defensive end Colby Way has 5.

2:33 p.m. ... The Flashes have a little uniform change today ... similar to last year's Akron game they are wearing white pants with the blue tops.

2:10 p.m. ... It's just a little over 40 degrees here at Dix Stadium and several players from both teams are on the field warming up ... Although I'm not sure how warm Kent State's players are. Most of them, including senior safety Luke Wollet, are going through their early paces with their shirts off.

Why not? May as well try whatever you need to get pumped up.

11: 30 a.m. ... Kent State should be a bit healthier today with the expected return of at least a few key players in quarterback Colin Reardon and defensive tackle Roosvelt Nix.

At nose tackle, we'll hope to see Nate Terhune continue to up his playing time. After returning just four weeks after breaking his leg, he has gone from about eight plays two weeks ago to double digits last week. A 20-plus-play game from Terhune would be a big help as Kent State tries to slow Buffalo back Brandon Oliver. More playing time has helped create a bit of depth on the line as 312-pound Chris Fairchild has continued to develop in his sophomore year. Kent native and Findlay transfer Marcus Wright had an impact last week with his first two sacks of his Kent State career.

The Golden Flashes wills still be without punter-kicker Anthony Melchiori. Coach Haynes revealed earlier this week that the sophomore special-teams star will likely miss the rest of the 2013 season.

As we prepare for today's 3:37 p.m. kickoff, here's a look at what is available on the internet today regarding the Kent State-Buffalo matchup.

• In the Akron Beacon Journal, Stephanie Storm previews Kent State vs. Buffalo in "Flashes happy to be home but prepared for hard-charging Bulls."
• Earlier this week, Stephanie had this story on the Flashes being "exhausted after tiresome stretch of road games."
• Elton Alexander's "Kent State Gameday: Saturday vs. Buffalo" is in the Plain Dealer.
• Earlier this week, the Record-Courier's Allen Moff had this preview, "Kent State football team happy to be home, but another tough opponent awaits."
• Moff also reported on the expected return of Colin Reardon.
• The Buffalo News has this scouting report with the warning, "UB must contain Archer."
• Buffalo News reporter Bob DiCeasare writes that Buffalo will get its "first real test of the MAC season" at Kent State.
• DiCeasare also has this story with video on Buffalo offensive lineman Kristjan Sokoli
• This Buffalo News notebook from earlier this week leads with Archer "no Flash in the pan."

Kent State at South Alabama Live Blog

FOURTH QUARTER

14:24 ... Ross Metheny takes the bootleg and rolls untouched for a 16-yard touchdown. 

A disappointing day even with impact players missing on offense in starting quarterback Colin Reardon, defense in nose tackle Roosvelt Nix, and special teams in punter-kicker Anthony Melchiori.

South Alabama 31, Kent State 7

14:01 ... Dri Archer continues to be a one-man show on offense. Catching a pass from David Fisher near the 30-yard line, spinning and racing 74 yards for a touchdown. Both Kent State scores have been long ones by Archer – one on the ground. One through the air.

Officials checked on replay to see if Archer stepped out as he spun out of a tackle near the sideline. 

South Alabama 31, Kent State 14

13:07 ... After doing a nice job in kick coverage in the first half of the season, Kent State's coverage team has seen some cracks form in the last two weeks. T.J. Glover of South Alabama just returned a kickoff 67 yards to the Kent State 30.

11:28 ... As you would expect after a kick return like that, South Alabama takes advantage of the short field. Kndall Houston scores untouched on a 14-yard touchdown run. The defense looks like it is worn out.

Kent State is going to need the fans to rally next week when Buffalo comes to town. The Flashes will need a win over the Bulls on Oct. 26, then wins at Akron on Nov. 2, at home against Miami on Nov. 13 and then to close the season at Ohio Nov. 19 to be bowl eligible for a second consecutive season. 

THIRD QUARTER

(South Alabama leads 17-7 to start second half)

11:03 ... The tackling hasn't been great for Kent State today, but the pass rush has been excellent.

A third-down sack by Fairchild is No. 4 on the day for the Golden Flashes' defense, and it forces a punt.

Unfortunately, false start No. 3 called against left tackle Terrell Johnson will force the Golden Flashes' offense to start its drive in a hole, 1st-and-15 at its own 15.

7:19 ... South Alabama adds to its lead on a 3-yard touchdown run by Kendall Houston. The scoring drive aided by a questionable personal foul call against DeVante Strickland for allegedly hitting a South Alabama ball-carrier out of bounds. It looked like he was still on the field of play on contact.

Kent State needs to answer now on offense.

Some numbers – David Fisher is 2-of-7 for 19 yards. He does have 41 yards on 8 carries, however.
Dri Archer has 109 rushing yards on nine attempts, including a touchdown.

South Alabama 24, Kent State 7

7:09 ... A good first play as Fisher flips to Durham for a 15-yard pickup on first down. Third completion and a good gain to start this drive.

Flashes going no-huddle.

5:17 ... A break this time for Kent State as Tyshon Goode appeared to fumble, but officials ruled him down by contact.

Add a nice run by Fisher for 11 and a throw to Archer for 12, and the Flashes are in the red zone at the South Alabama 18.

4:13 ... Extremely dangerous throw by Fisher, throwing it up for grabs to Archer into triple coverage.

4:08 ... Brad Miller misses a 31-yard field goal wide right

Best drive of the day comes up empty.

Kent State is going to need a near-perfect final 19 minutes to avoid falling to 2-6. It's doable, but the Flashes can't afford any more missed assignments/unforced errors.

SECOND QUARTER

12:03 ... South Alabama is in position to add to its lead with a first down inside the Kent State 30 after a pass interference penalty against Malcom Pannell on a deep throw by Metheny.

10:45 ... Keenan Stalls with a very nice play cutting in front of Saxon forces a long field-goal attempt.

10:39 ... Sunanon of South Alabama connects on the 45-yard field goal to put South Alabama ahead 10-0.

South Alabama 10, Kent State 0

9:41 ... Dri Archer shows what he can do with just a little room, slicing his way through the right side of the line and into space. South Alabama's defenders had no chance as he weaved his way down the right sideline for a 74-yard touchdown. Downshifting, then speeding up to create more space. By far his best run of the season.

South Alabama 10, Kent State 7

6:23 ... Kent State's defense pays for not getting off of the field on 3rd-and-13. Metheny hits Danny Woodson for an easy touchdown after another breakdown in the secondary.

You just have to find a way on third-and-long.

A shame, too, after a big sack earlier in the drive by Kent Roosevelt High School alum Marcus Wright.

South Alabama 17, Kent State 7

3:18 ... Kent State defense comes up big with a sack and forced fumble of second-string quarterback Brandon Bridge.

Rulin gon the field is a fumble, but they may say Bridge was trying to throw. I think he was trying, but he may not have been making a throwing motion.

Marcus Wright with another big defensive play, tripping up Bridge.

Flashes need to take advantage of this assuming they get the ball. My guess is it will be ruled a fumble.

Questionable ruling on replay ... They call it an incomplete pass... but also grounding. So South Alabama will be forced to punt from the 18 instead of Kent State getting the football in the red zone.

Even after a nice effort on a punt return by Ernest Calhoun, the Flashes lose almost 30 yards on the ruling.

1:34 ... Another quick three-and-out, and Kent State can't get any points after starting the drive just inside the 50.

FIRST QUARTER

13:48 ... Nice to see Dri Archer involved early with a 14-yard run on first down, and a nice block by David Fisher after the give. Anthony Meray gets the handoff on the next two downs, so the Flashes are trying to establish the run like they did last week. Three handoffs. Two first downs on the opening drive.

10:42 ... Terrell Johnson jumped early on 1st and 10 from the South Alabama 31 ... Getting off of schedule on mental errors like this have come at poor times this season. Another false start on Johnson on 3rd-and-11. Johnson has played well this season, but Paul Haynes will not be happy with another missed assignment. The penalties force a long field-goal attempt by Miller that is blocked.


9:31 ... A rough start for a Kent State defense that made some major strides last week. South Alabama has marched down the field with little trouble.

8:39 ... A 5-yard touchdown run by Jay Jones has put South Alabama ahead 7-0. A very frustrating start for Kent State with the two false start penalties, the blocked field goal and then the easy drive by the Jaguars, who kept KSU defense on its heals with the fast-paced offense.

6:11...  Awkward situation with the helmet coming off of David Fisher, forcing him to leave for a play. Maxie in at quarterback, but South Alabama was pretty certain of a running play. Keyed on Durham for a loss of a yard. Now Fisher back in.

3:01 ... Third and short continues to be a problem for Kent State. No push, and Durham can't get it on 3rd-and-2 or 4th-and-2. Turnover on downs ... And another promising drive stalls with no points.

0:25 ... Kent State defense gets a fourth-and-short stop of its own ... and a nice response to both the disappointment of the offense on the previous drive, and its own letdown on the first drive by South Alabama. A chance to shift momentum.

Good to see the Flashes making some plays in the front seven even without Roosevelt Nix, who is not playing due to injury.

That's a big loss. Need to get big games out of players like Chris Fairchild, Nate Terhune and Marcus Wright inside to make up for the loss of Nix.

PREGAME

12 p.m. ... I'll be blogging live starting just before today's kickoff. Unfortunately, I wasn't able to make the trip with the team this week, but I'll be in touch with the press box in Mobile to get any important information as we go along.

I talked with Brian Rock this week about what it is like to prepare a new quarterback to start in the wake of Colin Reardon injuring his ankle late in last week's loss at Ball State. This team has all of the confidence in the world in David Fisher, who battled for the starting job right to the end of the last two preseason camps.

Rock said the offense will not change with Fisher running the offense. He reconfirmed that this week in the Kent State Football blog. 

The injury situation is starting to feel like old times at Kent State. Long-time fans will remember the years when we had the third and sometimes even the fourth quarterback starting late in the season. This year it hasn't just been the quarterback spot. Injuries at receiver, in the secondary, on the offensive and defensive lines and even to specialists have made it difficult on this team in 2013. The good news is that the Flashes have managed to stay competitive. It has helped to have more depth in past years. The change in culture has also been a key.

There is some good news, however, as we hope to see more of Nate Terhune at nose tackle today, one week after he played eight plays at Ball State and just five weeks after breaking a bone in his leg at LSU. Having his size and strength up front will only help the Flashes' run defense.

While we wait for kickoff, here's some reading material from around the internet:

• Here is a link to Elton Alexander's "Kent State Football Gameday: South Alabama" from the Plain Dealer.
• Earlier this week, Elton took a look at the mounting injuries at Kent State. 
• Stephanie Storm's preview in the Akron Beacon Journal is "a return to site of bowl game offers new challenges for Golden Flashes."
• Stephanie also had this story earlier this week on David Fisher taking over as the starting quarterback for injured Colin Reardon.
• Allen Moff's scouting report and "Flash Facts" are in today's Record-Courier.
• Tommy Hicks has his "South Alabama Gameday Information: Jaguars vs. Golden Flashes" on AL.com.
• Moff and Hicks got together earlier this week for a beat writers' Q&A also on AL.com.
• More Kent State-South Alabama information on AL.com in "Jaguars Buzz"
• Earlier this week, Hicks wrote about how the "gamepan is in and confidence is up as South Alabama readies for Saturday's homecoming game."
• More from Hicks, who talked to South Alabama's defensive coordinator Kevin Sherrer on video about a "solid, capable" Kent State offense.
• Hicks is a workhorse. His week of prep for Kent State also had this story about the miles logged by the Flashes his season.
• And South Alabama had its own kicking questions this week. Hicks had the story.
• Bryan Vance's preview of Kent State vs. South Alabama and the importance of the Flashes' running game is on the Hustle Belt.

Kent State at Ball State Live Blog

BALL STATE 27, KENT STATE 24

Final

FOURTH QUARTER

11:26 ... Kent State offense is on the move thanks in large part to two Ball State penalties ... a questionable pass interference on a throw over the middle intended for Tim Erjavec, then a roughing-the-passer penalty against Jonathan Newsome for a shot to the throat on Reardon, tacking on 15 after a 9-yard pass to Durham.

9:58 ... Durham bulls his way for 10 on 4th-and-2 ... power running at its best to the Ball State 28.

9:22 ... The gamble on 4th down pays off one play later with Colin Reardon finding Chris Humphrey for 28 yards and a touchdown to vault Kent State into the lead.

In a way, Reardon broke every rule in the book, rolling to his right, then throwing back across the field late to Humphrey, who was breaking open to the corner. Dangerous, but a gutsy play by a freshman quarterback.  The throw was just over the fingertips of the Cardinals defensive back who was scrambling to catch up with Humphrey.

Second extra point of Brad Miller's career puts Kent State on top.

Kent State 21, Ball State 20

8:37 ... Kent State is trying to punch in another score after a tipped-ball interception by Darius Polk and a return all the way to the Ball State 1-yard line.

Durham stuffed for no gain on first down ... then a 1-yard loss by Durham on second down.

7:14 ... After 1st-and-goal from the Ball State 1, three Durham runs net -3 yards ... and Kent State forced to settle for a disappointing field goal of 21 yards by Miller.

Kent State 24, Ball State 20

4:42 ... Ball State now at the Kent State 10 and facing a 3rd-and-6 ... Tipped ball by Fackler forces a fourth down with 4:38 to play.

4:31 ... Kent State defense rises up again. Turnover on downs as Wenning's lob for Snead in the left corner is incomplete out of bounds. Great coverage by Malcom Pannell.

3:46 ... Scary moment as Colin Reardon is helped off the field after being injured handing off to Durham ... A non-contact injury finishing his rollout after handing the ball off to the back.

Lower leg and walking off very gingerly.

David Fisher in at quarterback on 3rd-and-3.

3:12 ... Kent State forced to kick the ball away after a Durham run on 3rd-and-3 comes up short by two yards.

Ball State will start at its own 43.

2:47 ... A 45-yard throw from Wenning to Snead to the Ball State 12, and the Cardinals in position again.

2:14 ... Fackler with his third knockdown at the line. Ball State faces a 3rd-and-8 from the Ball State 10 ... Again!

1:29 ... On 4th-and-4 from the KSU 7, Wenning hits Snead over the middle for a touchdown and the lead.

Gallant effort by the defense. Up to Fisher and the KSU offense to salvage this with just 1:29 to play and one timeouts left.

Ball State 27, Kent State 24

1:25 ... Kent State will start at its own 32 ... No timeouts ... need to get into position for the backup kicker to tie it ... or for a gamewinning score with the backup quarterback... and just one timeout.

1:04 ... Good play-call on 3rd-and-10 ... shovel pass from Fisher to Pierce for 18 yards to the Ball State 49.

0:35 ... Fisher sacked trying to scramble and keep the play alive on 4th-and-15.

Disappointing finish, but a great effort


FINAL: Ball State 27, Kent State 24

THIRD QUARTER

13:46 ... A tough first minute for Kent State ... Jamil Smith returned the first kickoff of Brad Miller's career 50-plus yards to the KSU 42.

A few plays later, Dylan Farrington down with an injury. He got up and walked off on his own, but holding his right arm.

And after a short slant from Wenning to Williams, Ball State now has a first down at the KSU 3.

Kick coverage has been excellent for Kent State so far this season. Two kickoffs today have led to big seams for Smith.

12:50 ... Tipped ball by Polk takes away a touchdown throw to Snead in the left corner. Now 3rd-and-2 from the 2... and an easy touchdown.

12:46 ... Slant to Williams from Wenning for a 2-yard score.

It took Ball State 28-plus minutes to score its first points in the 1st half... Just over 3 minutes to score in the second half.

That's the danger of the short field. Just 42 yards in 8 plays for the Cardinals to take their first lead.

Ball State 14, Kent State 7

9:43 ... Great individual effort by Humphrey on a 6-yard pass at the marker, breaking a tackle and exploding for a 20-yard gain to the Ball State 30. That was the Flashes' longest pass play of the game... and Humphrey's sixth catch for 59 yards.

A nice design on a give to Durham, decoying a reverse to Archer, and KSU is now at the Ball State 14 on first down.

On the move in an attempt to answer Ball State's opening score of the second half.

7:30 ... Reardon beats the cornerback blitz off the edge and finds Dri Archer over the middle for a 14-yard touchdown. Great answer by the Kent State offense and another creative drive using some misdirection to create some running space for Durham.

Reardon is also now 12-for-13 for 104 yards.

The 33rd career touchdown for Dri Archer.

Kent State 14, Ball State 14

7:26 ... Tired of watching Jamil Smith find a seam on kick returns, Kent State has turned to the sky kick.

7:05 ... Kent State has the ball back. The Golden Flashes' defense recovers from the quick score to open the half by forcing a three-and-out on drive No. 2 ... Great play by Polk on third down to bat down a Wenning throw.

3:39 ... Can't throw off the back foot into coverage. Under pressure Reardon makes the critical mistake, and it leads to a tipped-ball interception by Jeffery Garrett at the Kent State 39.

Defense had recovered and was playing well, forcing two consecutive three-and-outs. Now it has to come back out and defend another short field. A difficult task.

2:53 ... The turnover is a killer for Kent State as the Cardinals quickly turn it into six ... but just six.

A 25-yard touchdown pass from Wenning to a wide-open Jamill Smith puts Ball State back on top 20-14. Only good news for the Flashes is a missed extra point by Secor.

Ball State 20, Kent State 14

1:50 ... Making the task potentially more difficult, the Flashes have already used their second timeout of the second half. They can stop the ball just one more time.

SECOND QUARTER

14:45 ... Some more creativity by Kent State.

On 4th-and-5, the Flashes call a fake punt with Chad Bushley angling a snap to up-man Brice Fackler, who rumbled 34 yards for a first down at the Ball State 28.

Andrew Horning was on to punt after Anthony Melchiori apparently injured himself saving a touchdown with a tackle on an earlier kickoff.

11:57 ... Melchiori injury kept him from attempting a field goal on fourth down. Brad Miller came on to miss a 43-yarder.  

Losing Melchiori is a major blow to Kent State's special teams. Hopefully he can return.

8:56 ... Kent State's defense is making Ball State work for every yard ... only issue has been on third-and-long where the Cardinals have converted two third-and-longs ... one because of a missed tackle, and the other due to a gamble for a pick after Wenning threw under pressure.

Run defense has been much better this week. Defensive line holding its own, linebackers flowing to the football, gang tackling. All good things.

7:42 ... Great play by Luke Wollet as Wenning tried to convert another third-and-long with a throw over the middle.

The game more than 22 minutes old and this high-powered Ball State offense is still looking for its first score.

A little bit of a negative ... Great punt by Kyle Schmidt of Ball State downed at the 1.

3:29 ... A nice punt by Andrew Horning in place of Melchiori. After his 42-yarder is fair caught at the Ball State 32, the Kent State defense is back on the field trying to keep the shutout alive in the closing minutes of the first half.

Easily the best start for a Kent State defense this season. Pretty impressive stuff.

The Flashes have blitzed more than I think I've seen this year.

1:46 ... Needed some wood to knock here in the press box.

Willie Snead with a great over-the-shoulder catch of a deep throw by Wenning. He beat double coverage for a 39-yard touchdown that ties it.

It took Ball State more than 28 minutes to get on the scoreboard.

Kent State 7, Ball State 7

1:41 ... Calhoun boots the squib kick and has to race back for a frantic recovery at the Kent State 6. Flashes are forced to start deep in their end again when Ball State is trying to give them good field position with the short kick.

HALFTIME

Some halftime stats ...

• Both teams have 10 first downs.
• Kent State leads in rushing 160-to-40
• Ball State leads in passing 161-to-56
• Total yards, Kent State leads 216-to-201 (not many predicted that)
• Time of possession is Kent State 18:30-to-11:30
• Colin Reardon completed his first nine passes. He is 9-of-10 for 56 yards ... and also leads the team with 68 rushing yards on five carries. That's already 10 yards over his career high 
• Kent State has called 24 running plays against just 10 pass attempts.

FIRST QUARTER 

14:47 ... Good to see Kent State go right to Trayion Durham on first down for four yards. Important to establish the run, eat some clock, keep the ball out of the hands of the Cardinals' offense.

Unfortunately, a false start on 2nd-and-4 has put the offense off schedule.

The series started at the 17 after a squib kickoff took a while to field. The Cardinals kickers practiced a variety of short kicks during pregame with the obvious idea to keep the ball out of the hands of Dri Archer. 

12:26 ... About the worst case scenario for Kent State to start ... a fumble by Dri Archer gives Ball State's offense the football at the Flashes' 35.

Paul Haynes has been preaching ball security all week because Ball State likes to strip the ball with the second and third defender in. Archer didn't take care of the football... And after the Flashes had picked up a first down on third-and-long with a 12-yard run by quarterback Colin Reardon.

10:04 ... Keenan Stalls with the first interception of his career turns back the Ball State offense after it had reached the Kent State 6. 

Cardinals quarterback Keith Wenning tried to fit the football into a tight window in the back of the end zone. A very nice play by linebacker Matt Dellinger tipped the ball high into the air and right into the waiting arms of Stalls.

7:56 ... Colin Reardon has runs of 21 and 16 yards on this drive, giving him 3 carries for 49 yards already. The focus of the Ball State defense appears to be on Durham. They all flowed with the big fullback on a first-down read option, allowing Reardon to break free for 21.

6:44 ... Kent State offense very creative so far ... a reverse to Josh Boyle for 14 ... Some nice fakes to free Reardon ... a perfect screen to Durham for 14 ...

It all has the offense at the Flashes at the Ball State 13 ... and a nice recovery after the early turnover.

5:19 ... Great second effort by Anthony Meray. After initially getting stopped at the line, Meray poked through the line and ran 10 yards for an opening touchdown ... his first rushing touchdown since game No. 4 of 2011.

Meray continues to play better and better as he gets more playing time.

Kent State 7, Ball State 0

3:26 ... A major surprise ... Nose tackle Nate Terhune has checked into the game with Ball State already knocking at the door at the KSU 6... He broke his lower leg just 4 weeks ago at Ball State.

Just a few days ago, Paul Haynes said he hoped to have Terhune available next week at South Alabama.

2:00 ... Kent State has the football again after another Ball State turnover in the end zone. The Cardinals' Jordan Williams looked like he would tie the game after taking a short throw from Wenning and weaving his way to the goal line ... where Jordan Italiano was waiting. The Kent State defensive back stripped the ball, and cornerback Dylan Farrington fell on it in the end zone for a touchback.

Kent State defense creating two enormous breaks in this first quarter.

That fumble was the first forced and recovered by the Flashes' defense this season.

PREGAME

3:00 p.m. ... Coin Flip ... Ball State won the toss and will defer to the second half.

Game Time

2:45 p.m. ... It'll be interesting to see if nose tackle Nate Terhune is in uniform today for Kent State. Terhune broke a bone in his lower leg four weeks ago at LSU, and he is already close to returning.

Haynes did not expect Terhune to play today. Next week is a very real possibility, however. The big defensive lineman got in some work this week and there had been some talk of allowing him to suit up and stand on the sidelines today.

Getting an hard-working overachiever like Terhune back would be a big bonus for Kent State's run defense.

2:30 p.m. ... Kent State will wear "HD" stickers on the backs of their helmets today to honor the memory of Helen Dix. Since the team could not attend the funeral today at 1 p.m. at United Methodist Church in Kent, head coach Paul Haynes wanted the team to show its support for the Dix family.

Also notice the new helmet stickers for 2013 in the above photo.

Darrell Hazell brought the tradition of Ohio State-style stickers two seasons ago. Those stickers had the full Kent State logo inside a white circle.

This year, Paul Haynes has switched to simple gold lightning bolts. What do you prefer? Oval with logo? Lightning bolts? No sticker at all?

2:00 p.m. ... Ball State's specialists are on the field and warming up, and no surprise that their kickers are practicing sky kicks to the up-man on kickoffs.

Don't expect Dri Archer to get another shot at a 100-yard kickoff return this week.

1:28 p.m. ... Some good early news as we are getting word that Roosevelt Nix is feeling good and ready to go after being limited in practice this week with a sore back.

This game features two of the top defensive linemen in the Mid-American Conference in Nix and Ball State's 6-foot-3, 236-pound defensive end Jonathan Newsome, who leads the Cardinals with three sacks for 19 yards in losses.

We'll see how much help Kent State gives left tackle Terrell Johnson when he works against Newsome.

With all of the talk about the Flashes and how they will find a way to slow down quarterback Keith Wenning and the Cardinals' passing game, I'm actually more interested in how Kent State will stop the run. Ball State has quietly built a nice rushing complement with Jahwan Edwards since his return from a concussion. Edwards ran for 155 yards against Virginia last week, and we all know how Kent State's defense has had its difficulties stopping the run this season. That includes the 454 yards the Flashes allowed on the ground in last week's loss to Northern Illinois.

1:11 p.m. ... The Record-Courier's Allen Moff is embedded with the Kent State football team during this weekend's trip to Muncie. He is updating his experience on Facebook. To follow along, visit Allen's Facebook page by clicking here.

He has lots of photos from behind the scenes at team meetings and from the team hotel in Indianapolis

12:27 p.m. ... Here's a look around the web at what the media thinks of today's Kent State at Ball State game:

• From yesterday, Elton Alexander breaks down KSU vs. BSU in the Plain Dealer with his "Kent State Football Gameday."
• In the Record-Courier, Allen Moff previews today's game and the challenge the Golden Flashes' defenses faces against an electric Cardinals offense.
• Allen Moff had this story earlier this week about the "daunting challenge" Kent State faces here in Muncie. 
• In the Akron Beacon Journal, Stephanie Storm writes about Kent State facing another high-powered offense in her Kent State-Ball State preview.
• In today's Indianapolis Star, Ben Breiner of the Star Press considers "5 things to watch in Ball State, Kent State game."
• In the Muncie Star Press, Breiner writes about an improving Ball State defense.
• Ball State head coach Pete Lembo goes for win No. 100 today when the Cardinals host Kent State. That story is in the Ball State student newspaper. 

12 p.m. ... Just arrived at Scheumann Stadium here in Muncie, Ind.

Instead of coming in with the team yesterday, I drove in this morning with the Kent State radio team of Ty Linder and Rob Polinsky.

It's homecoming here today at Ball State. With about three hours to go before kickoff, traffic is already backed up on Bethel Avenue and McGalliard Road. With the Cardinals rolling at 5-1 overall and 2-0 in the MAC, we should have a big crowd here this afternoon.

It's quiet here now:

Kent State vs. Northern Illinois Live Blog

FOURTH QUARTER

15:00 ... Northern starts the quarter at the Kent State 13-yard line.

The Golden Flashes defense has to find a way to slow the Huskies, who have out-gained Kent State 56-to-292 through three quarters. That total includes a 347-to-134 advantage in rushing.

Cameron Stingily already has a career-high 192 yards on 25 attempts.

14:11 ... A couple of breaks for Kent State.

First, an offensive pass interference on 2nd-and-5 from the 13 pushed the ball back to the Northern 28.

Then Northern forced to burn its third and final timeout of the second half trying to get off a play on 3rd-and-11.

13:45 ... Kent State can't take advantage of the breaks as Lynch finds Tomylee Lewis for 13 yards to the Kent State 6 on 3rd-and-11.

13:22 ... Yet another break ... A hold on 2nd and goal from the 1.

13:08 ... The Flashes still can't take advantage as Lynch hits James Spencer for an 11-yard touchdown pass. Short throw to the left, and Spencer runs untouched into end zone. 

Northern Illinois 35, Kent State 24

7:33 ... Northern forced to settle for a field goal after another long drive – a 31-yarder by Sims.

Huskies now up to 658 yards of total offense. That includes 414 rushing on 56 attempts.

Stingily's career rushing high is now up to 226 on 30 attempts.

7:13 ... A nice design by Kent State's offense on a screen to Durham that goes for 34 yards. Reardon looked like he was running some kind of odd option play with Archer running behind him.

Error by officials on what should have been a helmet-to-helmet penalty against Jamaal Bass for a hit on Reardon. The officials picked up the flag. Replay showed it should have been a 15-yard penalty.

4:17 ... Incomplete pass on 4th-and7 from the Northern Illinois 9 effectively ends Kent State's hopes. A nice drive and nearly overcame the blown call by the officials on the hit to Reardon's head. Just came up short.

Amazing considering the inability to slow the Northern Illinois offense that this would have been a one-score game this late if Kent State could have punched that drive into the end zone.

THIRD QUARTER

Some halftime stats:

• Northern Illinois has out-gained Kent State 385-to-202, with most of damage coming on the ground (a 206-to-87 advantage).
• Cameron Stinglily has been the difference today. The big Northern back has 124 rushing yards on 16 carries, including touchdown runs of 17 and 2 yards.
• Northern dared Dri Archer early, kicking off right to the Kent State speedster and paying for it in giving up a 103-yard touchdown return (technically NCAA stats only allow plays to count for 100 yards). Archer also has a 66-yard touchdown catch.

13:57 ... Encouraging start by the Kent State defense, putting the clamps on Stingily on the first series, and then forcing Lynch to throw wildly into his own sideline on third down. Quick three-and-out.

11:37 ... Good for Tyshon Goode! The senior wide receiver gets some redemption after dropping what would have been a game-tying touchdown pass in the second quarter.

His 29-yard touchdown catch on another perfect Colin Reardon throw has put Kent State ahead 24-21. Replay upheld the score. Only needed one foot in, and it looked like he had both feet in at the back of the end zone.

Kent State 24, Northern Illinois 21

7:28 ... Kent State's defense is going to have a tough time watching the tape of some of today's game. To this point, the tackling has been very poor. Several missed tackles allowed Northern to regain the lead on the first touchdown run in the career of James Spencer – a 23-yard run on 2nd-and-14.

Northern Illinois 28, Kent State 24

5:26 ... The Golden Flashes have gone to Dri Archer at tailback for the first time on this series. He gets 12 yards on three carries, and the Flashes move the chains once on a great individual effort on a throw to Humphrey, who caught the ball 2 yards short of the marker and made a great move to get to the marker. Unfortunately, from there the drive stalled.

SECOND QUARTER 

14:08 ... Penalties can be killers, especially when they turn a 39-yard field goal attempt into a more difficult 44-yarder on a soggy field. A false start as Anthony Melchiori was lining up to try to break the tie forced the kicker into a longer attempt that he missed wide right.

12:22 ... Kent State's defense has had a difficult time bringing Northern ball-carriers down on first contact. They have made up for that, however, by getting some pressure on Lynch. That's encouraging considering this is a very good Northern Illinois offensive line that has allowed just three sacks in a season that has already included two wins over Big Ten opponents.

11:58 ... Julian Durden has Kent State on the move with a 48-yard run to the Huskies 36.

10:30 ... An interception ends this Kent State hope. Northern safety Jimmie Ward made a nice play, looking back for the deep throw from Reardon. He was in single coverage on Archer.

9:04 ... Intercepted right back. Jordan Lynch on a deep throw in the end zone... overthrown by about 10 yards and picked by Kent State safety Luke Wollet.

Both offenses going to the air and paying for it. Both teams have had big gains on the ground.

6:16 ... A 54-yard touchdown pass from Lynch to Brown has Northern Illinois on top 14-7 with 6:16 to play. Great job by Lynch standing in and delivering on the money under pressure. Kent State's Darius Polk came clean on a corner blitz and popped Lynch as soon as he released the football.

Northern Illinois 14, Kent State 7

Kent State offense needs to find a way to get something going. So far Dri Archer has only been a factor in the return game with his 100-yard touchdown in the first quarter.

Archer has just 2 catches for 3 yards and he hasn't touched the ball in the running game. Look for the Flashes to try to find some different ways to get him the football in space.

5:19 ... Just like that, the Flashes find a way to get the ball into Archer's hands ... and on a 3rd-and-16 throw by Reardon.

A 66-yard touchdown pass from Reardon to Archer ties the score. Archer broke open at midfield, the ball arriving just before a diving gamble by Northern safety Dechane Durante.

Kent State 14, Northern Illinois 14

2:48 ... Kent State just can't bring down Northern Illinois running back Cameron Stingily on first contact. The 244-pound back has broken a season-worth of tackles in the first quarters, and his runs have the Huskies deep in Kent State territory again.

2:24 ... A near fumble by Stingily at the goal line but officials ruled him down at the KSU 1. Looks like the correct call on replay.

The ball is inside the KSU 1, but it looks like it should be spotted about a yard back. No change after review.

2:37 ... Stingly gets the touchdown on a 1-yard plunge. A fair reward for some hard running. His second touchdown of the day.

A too-easy, 10-play, 75-yard drive for the Huskies in just 2:42.

Northern Illinois 21, Kent State 14

1:41 ... A late hit on the sideline by Northern could help Kent State answer. A 13-yard out from Reardon to Humphrey, then tack on the 15 yard personal foul and the Flashes are at the Huskies' 21.

1:34 ... Tyshon Goode with a painful drop in the end zone ... wide open and a perfect throw on the hands by Colin Reardon, who froze the receiver on a beautiful pump fake.

Kent State needs to find a way to make up for the mistake.

0:37 ... After a good, hard run by Trayion Durham on 3rd-and-1 picks up the first down, a 6-yard slant to Humphrey has Kent State at the Northern 3. Timeout leaves the Flashes with one more to burn.

0:31 ... A sweep to Durham to the left on second down loses 4 yards back to the Northern 7... That's the play that always seemed to work on fourth down last season. Another timeout burned.

0:20 ... Disappointing to have to settle for three after the drop in the end zone, but a 24-yard Anthony Melchiori field goal has cut into the Northern Illinois lead.

Northern Illinois 21, Kent State 17

FIRST QUARTER

15:00 ... The officials are off to a good start, announcing that "Northern Michigan" had won the coin toss.

For the record, Northern Michigan was at home today, losing to Hillsdale 27-17.

10:37 ... A disappointing start for Kent State ... Offense with a quick three-and-out followed by an easy touchdown march by Northern Illinois' offense. The Huskies needed 11 plays to go 69 yards, ending in a 17-yard run by Cameron Stingily.

Northern Illinois 7, Kent State 0

10:25 ... Northern Illinois challenged Dri Archer for the second time today, kicking right to him. On the opening kickoff, he caught it 5-yards deep, backpedaling to end zone. He showed some frustration that he couldn't bring the ball out.

This time he brought it out.

A 103-yard touchdown return, weaving his way to the Northern sideline, then exploding to the end zone.

Officially it is just 100 yards. NFL allows for 100-plus yard returns. NCAA you can only have a 100-yard return.

Of course, that touchdown ties a Kent State record.

Kent State 7, Northern Illinois 7

8:13 ... Kent State defense gets off of the field on drive No. 2 for the Huskies. A third-and-8 throw by Lynch from the Northern 48 was close, but Da'Ron Brown couldn't keep his feet in on the Huskies sideline.

Flashes offense needs to get something going after taking over at its own nine following the punt.

6:32 ... Kent State dodges a bullet as Matthew Sims misses a 40-yard field goal after a quick turnaround following a Dri Archer fumble. The defense was up to the challenge after the Huskies took over at the Kent State 17, forcing two incompletions and dropping Jordan Lynch for a 6-yard loss.

0:42 ... Another bullet dodged ... and this time thanks to a Malcom Pannell interception and 52-yard return to the Northern 44.

The Huskies had marched 75 yards in seven plays all the way to the Kent State 9. They faced a third down and goal from that nine when Lynch's tipped ball was picked off inside the 5.

PREGAME 

2:50 p.m. ... Here's a look at the throwback helmets up close as the Flashes break for warmups.

2:35 p.m. ... A little nugget from yesterday's NADC meeting here at Kent State ... the first meeting of new member Andre Thornton.

"Thunder" Thornton was one of my all-time favorite players when I was growing up in the 1970's and cheering on the Cleveland Indians.

Here is Thornton with athletic director Joel Nielsen and associate athletic director Matt Geis at yesterday's meeting.

2:02 p.m. ... Kent State's coaches kept a little secret from the players ... until just now.

The team will wear throwback style helmets for Homecoming today. Here's a look:

MORNING UPDATE ... Kickoff at Dix Stadium is 3:30 p.m.

We are expecting our biggest crowd of the season, so plan ahead and get to the stadium early to avoid the heavy traffic on Summit Street and long lines at the ticket window.

I'll be blogging live from the Dix Stadium press box before kickoff. I'll also be fielding questions and comments here on the blog during the game. You can post below.

Here's a gameday "Newsstand" for a look the media is saying about today's game:

• Elton Alexander previews today's game in the Plain Dealer. The capsulized preview spotlights both teams and offers some keys to success. 
• Ryan Lewis' "Flashes face familiar foe in Northern Illinois, Jordan Lynch" is in today's Beacon Journal. Check out his preview here. 
• Allen Moff's capsulized preview in the Record-Courier has a scouting report on both teams and some Flash Facts. 
• The Chicago Tribune's Shannon Ryan looks at the rematch of last year's MAC Championship Game. 
• Ryan also has this story on KSU head coach Paul Haynes and the idea that Northern Illinois is "just as good" as LSU.
• The Journal Standard offers this preview of today's game.
• In the DeKalb Daily Chronicle, Steve Nitz writes about how Kent State's stats are misleading.
• In the Buffalo News has this story about Dri Archer's return and how it makes Kent State a threat to No. 23 Northern Ilinois.
• The Hustle Belt previews today's game with this story by NIUfan86.
• Kent State's official preview can be found here. 
• From earlier this week, Elton Alexander's story in the Plain Dealer on Dri Archer's excitement of being back and healthy for today's rematch with Northern Illinois.