Akron at Kent St:

The Flashes are last in the league, allowing 429.2 yards per game. UA (2-3, 0-1) has had troubles of its own, ranking last in the MAC in rushing defense, allowing 215.4 yards per game. But unlike KSU (which lost linebackers Cedrick Maxwell and Cobrani Mixon to injuries against Ball State), UA got a boost in last week's 17-15 loss to Cincinnati that helped the Zips hold the Bearcats 20 points below their season average. Three linemen returned to the field, including two who had been out the entire season, senior Eric Lively and sophomore Deni Odofin. James Harvey is also expected to play today.

In the teams' last meeting at Dix Stadium, the Flashes dominated in a 37-15 victory. But last year, UA took over possession of the wheel with a 27-20 win at the Rubber Bowl, and has now won nine of the past eleven games to take a 28-20-2 lead in the series.

This week’s KSU injury report might as well include half the roster.
The great depth at linebacker that the Flashes used to possess is now gone. Sophomore middle linebacker Cobrani Mixon will be done for the season with a broken bone in his left foot, the fifth metatarsal according to athletic communications.
Strongside linebacker Cedrick Maxwell broke his fibula Saturday and could be out for the season as well, but Martin seems optimistic about getting him back before the season ends.
Senior linebacker Stevon Moss is battling an ankle injury of his own that he suffered against Delaware State. It is still unclear if he will be able to play this week.
Senior tight end Jameson Konz, who used to play linebacker last year, is also done for the season with a high ankle sprain. Konz also has ligament damage in his ankle that was worse then first expected. He is now expected to apply for a medical red shirt. Jon Simpson has done a very job filling in for him this season though.
Don’t expect to see Eugene Jarvis this weekend either as his high ankle sprain has not allowed him to return to running yet. Although I feel as if Andre Flowers and, especially, Jacquise “Speedy” Terry both do a very nice job as fill ins. Neither have the impact Jarvis does though.
Another injury is cornerback Kirk Belgrave who banged up his shoulder a little bit. Martin said the injury didn’t seem to serious at this point and he is expected to play.

Senior quarterback Julian Edelman has been one of the Flashes' few bright spots this season. The maturing play-maker has gained 374 yards on the ground with four touchdown runs and has thrown for 665 yards and five touchdowns to lead the team in both categories. KSU's mounting injuries and a slumping defense that hasn't played up to par the past two games have negated much of Edelman's recent success.

Looking at MAC stats, Akron's junior quarterback Chris Jacquemain ranks fifth in passing yards with 1,214 on the season. But nationally he is an impressive 15th.

KSU’s supposed to have LB depth, but possibly losing the entire starting squad is very bad. Their SRB and play maker is out as well and Akron’s getting healthy on D. Looks like Qbs are a wash with AU’s passing QB equaling KSU’s double duty QB. This is a heated and hated rivalry and cannot help but lean on Akron this game.