Kent, OH- The #KentGRIT era finally commenced inside the friendly confines of Dix Stadium, as the Flashes welcomed FCS opponent Central Connecticut State University to town to kick off the home slate of their schedule. Coming off two defeats at the hands of Power 5 opponents, the Flashes looked to get their first victory under the tutelage of first-year Head Coach Kenni Burns against an FCS foe.
The scoring got started early in this one as Kent State QB Michael Alaimo was 3-3 for 45 yards on the opening drive, with his longest pass completion coming to senior WR Luke Floriea on a slant that resulted in a 33 yard gain. Alaimo also had a QB keeper for 11 yards to get the Flashes into the red zone. Ultimately, it was RB Gavin Garcia pounding it in from 1 yard out to give the Flashes an early 7-0 lead.
Following a 3 and out, the Flashes offense got back to work. This time, it was Alaimo airing one out down the right sideline, connecting with WR Trell Harris for the 40 yard TD reception. The Blue Devils ensuing drive saw them get into Golden Flash territory before being forced to punt. However, the third time was not the charm for the Flashes offense as Alaimo was picked off by Blue Devils DB Tavian Montgomery.
It was the Kent defenses turn to flex their muscle, with LB Khali Saunders picking off Central Connecticut's CJ Duell to get the Flashes offense back on the field. The Flashes wasted little time scoring, with Garcia again reaching pay dirt, this time from 25 yards out.
Following the break, the defense again stymied the Blue Devils offense, and once more it was Aliamo leading a scoring drive. This time the big play was a 43 yard reception to Harris and another reception to Jameel Gardner Jr. to set up a goal to go situation from the 1 yard line. Following a short loss Aliamo called his own number, scooting in from 3 yards out to extend the Flashes lead to 28-0.
On the ensuing drive for Central Connecticut, Safety Jalani Williams picked off a Blue Devils pass attempt to get the offense back on the field. The Blue Devils defense would hold strong in a goal to go situation, holding the Flashes to a 24 yard field goal by Andrew Glass to extend the lead to 31-0.
With most of the starters taking respite on the sidelines, it was reserve RB Jaylen Thomas' turn to tote the rock, and tote it he did, from 23 yards out, extending the lead to 38-0 with 2:28 left in the 3rd. Central Connecticut got on the board with 11:08 left in the game on a Jack Barnum field goal from 22 yards out.
Ricky Ortega added a late TD run for Central Connecticut to make the final score 38-10.
The Golden Flashes (1-2) travel to Fresno State next Saturday for a 10:30 game broadcast on the CBS Network.
Stats
Kent State
QB Mike Alaimo 12/16 172 yards 1 TD/ 1 INT
RB Gavin Garcia 21 attempts 125 yards 2 TD
WR Trey Harris 3 receptions 94 yards 1 TD
Central Connecticut
Matt Jenner 4/14 40 yards 0 TD/ 2 INT
Ricky Ortega 9 rushes 22 yards 1 TD
Michael Plaskson 1 reception 15 yards
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