KENT, Ohio — In a thrilling matchup that highlighted the long-standing rivalry known as the Wagon Wheel, Akron triumphed over Kent State with a score of 38-17 on Tuesday night. This victory marked an important win for Akron, as both Jordon Simmons and Charles Kellom surpassed 100 rushing yards, contributing significantly to their team’s performance.

Simmons rushed for 113 yards on just 11 carries, including a remarkable 59-yard run. Kellom also shone on the field, accumulating 104 yards on 19 attempts and scoring a touchdown. The Zips improved their record to 3-8 overall and 2-5 in the Mid-American Conference, ending a frustrating 14-game losing streak on the road. Quarterback Ben Finley played a solid game, throwing for 250 yards and connecting for a touchdown with Jarvis Rush. Wide receiver Adrian Norton contributed five receptions totaling 107 yards, while Tahj Bullock had a couple of short touchdown runs that helped secure the lead for Akron.

On the other side, Kent State struggled to find their rhythm. Quarterback Tommy Ulatowski passed for 224 yards with one interception, managing to throw touchdowns to both Luke Floriea and Chrishon McCray, the duo combining for an impressive 191 yards receiving. However, the Golden Flashes’ dismal record of 0-11 overall and 0-7 in conference play extended their losing streak to 20 games—the longest current stretch in the Football Bowl Subdivision.

Ulatowski showcased his skills early on, connecting with Floriea for an impressive 80-yard touchdown down the left sideline. However, the tide turned as Garrison Smith made his mark with a 43-yard field goal, and a pivotal 36-yard completion to Norton set up a touchdown for Bullock, giving Akron a decisive lead after the first quarter.

By halftime, the score was 23-10 in favor of the Zips. The second half saw Akron extend their lead further, scoring another 15 points, including a touchdown pass from Finley to Rush for 36 yards that put the game at 36-10.

With this victory, Akron not only broke their road losing streak but also celebrated a significant achievement in the rivalry against Kent State, demonstrating their strength and resilience on the field.