Akron visits Kent State on Saturday, Oct. 24, for the Wagon Wheel rivalry game between the two Northeast Ohio programs in the Mid-American Conference. Kickoff is set for 1:00 p.m. ET at Dix Stadium in Kent, Ohio, giving fans in the region an afternoon rivalry matchup. The game will be available on TV and streaming through ESPN+ for those not attending in person.
The Wagon Wheel matchup is one of the familiar rivalry dates on the schedule for both Akron and Kent State. With the schools located close to each other in Northeast Ohio, the meeting carries local interest beyond the conference standings. Saturday’s setting at Dix Stadium puts the Golden Flashes at home as they welcome the Zips for this year’s edition of the rivalry.
The matchup is expected to be close. Kent State is favored by about 3 points heading into Saturday, with the total set at 46.5. Those numbers point to a competitive game rather than a one-sided outlook, which fits a rivalry meeting where familiarity between the two programs often plays a role in how the afternoon unfolds at Dix Stadium.
On the Akron side, linebacker Donelius Johnson is a player to watch. Johnson ranks among the FBS leaders in tackles, per Athlon, making him a central figure for the Zips as they try to slow Kent State at home. His production gives Akron a proven presence on defense in a game where every possession figures to matter in a close contest.
Akron quarterback Brayden Roggow is another key figure for the Zips. In his previous game, Roggow threw for 234 passing yards on 22-for-38 passing with 4 interceptions. That line shows both the workload Akron placed on its quarterback and the turnover risk the Zips will want to reduce on Saturday if they are to win on the road in the rivalry game.
For Kent State, receivers Wayne Harris and Da’Realyst Clark lead the passing targets to watch. The two are tied for the team lead in receiving touchdowns, giving the Golden Flashes a pair of proven scoring options through the air. At home and favored by about a field goal, Kent State will look to that receiving production to help make the difference.
Fans planning to follow the game can tune in at 1:00 p.m. ET on ESPN+ or head to Dix Stadium in Kent for the 1:00 p.m. kickoff. With a small spread, a moderate total, and the Wagon Wheel on the line, Saturday’s Akron at Kent State game shapes up as a closely watched Northeast Ohio rivalry meeting to start the afternoon.
Photo: JonRidinger, CC BY