Kent State vs. UCF Football: A Gridiron Overview
This article explores the football history between Kent State University and the University of Central Florida (UCF).
Recent Matchup: UCF Dominates Kent State in Big 12 Debut
In their recent gridiron clash, UCF showcased their dominance by crushing Kent State 56-6. The Knights displayed balance and efficiency on both sides of the ball. Quarterback John Rhys Plumlee amassed 281 passing yards, 90 rushing yards, and four touchdowns. The Knights' offense gained 723 total yards (334 passing, 389 rushing) compared to Kent State's 240.
Despite the lopsided score, UCF's coach Gus Malzahn noted areas for improvement, particularly regarding turnovers. Plumlee threw two interceptions and fumbled once.
Key Performances in the Game
- Xavier Townsend: The sophomore receiver had a breakout performance, catching five passes for 81 yards and a touchdown.
- RJ Harvey: Harvey scored two long touchdowns in the second half, one on a 50-yard reception and another after a 48-yard run.
- Jordan McDonald: McDonald took over Isaiah Bowser's Wildcat quarterback role, converting three times.
- Ricky Barber and DeJordan Mask: Barber recorded a sack, and Mask had an interception.
- Lee Hunter: Hunter led UCF's defense with eight tackles.
A Glimpse into College Football Rivalries
College football is steeped in tradition, and rivalries form an integral part of the sport's identity. These contests often carry significant weight, transcending mere wins and losses. Rivalries can be interrupted by events such as World War I, the 1918 flu pandemic, and World War II.
Defining a Rivalry
A rivalry usually involves teams that have a history of playing each other, often annually, and the games are imbued with extra meaning and intensity. These games can be for bragging rights, trophies, or control of recruiting territories.
Read also: Kent State Athletics Logo
Examples of Rivalry Games
There are many examples of college football rivalry games, such as:
- The Game: Hampden-Sydney vs. Randolph-Macon
- The Rivalry: Lafayette College vs. Lehigh University
- Anchor-Bone Classic: Ferris State Bulldogs vs. Grand Valley State Lakers
- Battle For The Sledge: SMSU Mustangs vs. Winona State Warriors
- Chile Bowl: Eastern New Mexico Greyhounds vs. Western New Mexico Mustangs
- Coal Bowl: Indiana University of Pennsylvania Crimson Hawks vs. California University of Pennsylvania Vulcans
- Coastal Classic: Florida Tech Panthers vs. West Florida Argonauts
- Miner's Cup: Michigan Tech Huskies vs. Northern Michigan Wildcats
- The Claw: East Texas Baptist University Tigers vs. Belhaven Blazers
- Battle of Sixth Street: CMS Stags vs. Pomona-Pitzer Sagehens
- Bronze Turkey Game: Knox College Prairie Fire vs. Monmouth Fighting Scots
- Cuyahoga Gold Bowl Game: Baldwin Wallace Yellow Jackets vs. John Carroll Blue Streaks
- Goal Post Game: Juniata Eagles vs. Susquehanna River Hawks
- Keystone Cup: Delaware Valley University Aggies vs. Widener Pride
- Lincoln Trophy: Franklin & Marshall Diplomats vs. Gettysburg Bullets
- Bucket Battle: Dickinson Red Devils vs. Gettysburg Bullets
- Old Red Lantern: The College of Wooster Fighting Scots vs. Kenyon Lords
- Rocking Chair: Middlebury Panthers vs. Hamilton Continentals
- The Paint Bucket: Coe College Kohawks vs. Cornell College Rams
- Pynchon SAW Trophy: Western New England Golden Bears vs. Springfield Pride
- Smudge Pot: CLU Kingsmen vs. Redlands Bulldogs
- Battle for the Mug: United States Coast Guard Academy Bears vs. Norwich Cadets
- The Trophy: PLU Lutes vs. Puget Sound Loggers
- Victory Bell: Hanover Panthers vs. Franklin Grizzlies
- Wagon Wheel: Lewis & Clark Pioneers vs. Willamette Bearcats
- Wooden Shoes Rivalry: Hope College Flying Dutchmen vs. Kalamazoo Hornets
FCS vs. FBS Upsets
An intriguing aspect of college football is when Football Championship Subdivision (FCS) teams (formerly I-AA) upset Football Bowl Subdivision (FBS) teams (formerly I-A). These upsets add excitement and unpredictability to the season.
Notable FCS Upsets
Several FCS teams have achieved monumental upsets over ranked FBS opponents:
- 1983: Cincinnati defeated No. 20 Penn State
- 2007: Appalachian State beat No. 5 Michigan
- 2010: James Madison defeated No. 13 Virginia Tech
- 2013: Eastern Washington knocked off No. 25 Oregon State
- 2016: North Dakota State shocked No. 13 Iowa
- 2021: Montana beat No. 20 Washington
The "Appalachian State Rule"
Appalachian State's victory over Michigan was so significant that it led to a change in the AP Poll rules. Voters are now allowed to rank FCS teams.
Read also: Next Steps at Kent State
Read also: Kent State University Demographics Overview
tags: #kent #state #vs #ucf #football #history
