Kent State Vs. Alabama Recap

Top-Ranked Alabama Crushes Kent State 48-0

Writer: Remy Johnson

When Kent State freshman running back Justin Rankin took off for a 47-yard rush on the Flashes’s first offensive possession, a Kent State student, who was watching the game on his phone, screamed with excitement: “Are we going to make history?”

While it was a nice start, the Alabama Crimson Tide snapped Kent State back into reality with a 48-0 beatdown in Tuscaloosa, AL.

On that same opening possession, the Golden Flashes (1-3) were halted by the Tide’s fierce defense which resulted in a missed field goal attempt from 37 yards out.

Alabama (4-0) did lose sophomore running back Damien Harris to an ankle injury, which was also on their first possession, but it didn’t seem to matter.

The top-ranked Tide jumped out to a 21-0 lead in the first quarter and put the game out of reach by halftime, with a commanding 41-0 lead.

Kent State was outgained by ‘Bama 502-166 in total yards (84 passing, 82 rushing) and only entered Alabama territory on two possessions.

After Kent’s starting quarterback, freshman Mylik Mitchell, was injured in the first half, sophomore George Bollas was forced into action, leading the passing attack with 71 yards on four of eight passing. Rankin was the team’s leading rusher with six carries for 52 yards.

Freshman quarterback Jalen Hurts was dominant for the Tide, throwing for 164 yards and one touchdown, while also running for 54 yards and a touchdown. Freshman running back Joshua Jacobs carried the load for Alabama’s rushing attack, totaling 97 yards and two touchdowns on just 11 carries.

The Golden Flashes will be forced to lick their wounds and bounce back for next week’s homecoming game against the rival Akron Zips.

Kickoff is set for 3:30 EST.