Kent State Falls to Marshall in Defensive Battle

Kent State continued their road struggles this season as they fell tonight to Marshall 21-0, falling to 1-2 on the season. The Golden Flashes were unable to generate anything on offense and the score reflects it. While the offense for Kent State was unable to do anything, the defense held their own and kept the Golden Flashes in the game throughout.

The first half was very messy for both offenses with neither being able to generate anything on offense. The Golden Flashes defense really did impress forcing the Thundering Hurd into turnovers on two of their first three drives, including an interception from senior cornerback Demetrius Monday. However, no matter how much the defense did, the offense just wasn’t able to follow it up. It looked as if this game would go to the half scoreless until Marshall was able to go 61 yards in less than two minutes to take a 7-0 lead from a 5-yard touchdown pass from quarterback Chase Litton to Marcel Williams.

The 3rd quarter was more of the same for both offenses as neither was able to score. Kent State’s quarterback problems continued as George Bollas was brought in to replace Nick Holley, but he was unable to do any better. The Golden Flashes defense held tough and was able to keep Kent State in the game heading into the 4th quarter down 7-0.

While the defense for the Golden Flashes did all they could to win this game, the offense for Kent State just wasn’t able to generate much. Once again a quarterback change was made when Dustin Crum came in to replace George Bollas, to the same result, no points scored. In the end, the Kent State defense wore down and Marshall was able to put up two more touchdowns before the end of the game courtesy of rushes from Tyler King and Chase Litton. The Kent State defense did all it could but with no offensive support, the Golden Flashes were shutout 21-0.

Quarterback play has been a big problem all season for Kent State, starting with their 1-yard of passing in their first game against Clemson. After going with three different quarterbacks today it will be interesting to see what Head Coach Paul Haynes does moving forward this season with the position.

Kent State will have their work cut out for them next Saturday when they travel to Louisville to take on Heisman Winner Lamar Jackson and the rest of the Cardinals.