Kent State, Akron's contrasting QB situations glaring in MAC clash. Opinion

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Kent State, Akron's contrasting QB situations glaring in MAC clash. Opinion

Nate Ulrich, Akron Beacon Journal

Sun, October 25, 2026 at 10:04 AM UTC ·

6 min read

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KENT — Akron football coach Joe Moorhead warned the Zips they could not afford to let a Kent State trio of quarterback Dru DeShields and wide receivers Wayne Harris and Da'Realyst Clark impose their will on the Wagon Wheel rivalry game.

It turns out Clark didn't play in the first half, yet the combination of DeShields and Harris in the passing attack was enough to propel Kent State to a 35-20 victory over Mid-American Conference archrival Akron on Saturday, Oct. 24, at Dix Stadium.

"Their game-wreckers wrecked the game for us," Moorhead told the Beacon Journal.

It all starts with quarterback. Kent State and Akron's contrasting situations at the game's most important position were major factors in their most recent encounter.

Kent State sports: Golden Flashes football score, recap, highlights vs. Akron Zips in Wagon Wheel rivalry game

Zippy greets the Kent State marching band at the Kent State and University of Akron football Wagon Wheel game in Kent on Oct. 24, 2026.
(Lisa Scalfaro, Akron Beacon Journal)

A flyover during the National Anthem at the Kent State and University of Akron football Wagon Wheel game in Kent on Oct. 24, 2026.
(Lisa Scalfaro, Akron Beacon Journal)

Kent State marching band performs at the Kent State and University of Akron football Wagon Wheel game in Kent on Oct. 24, 2026.
(Lisa Scalfaro, Akron Beacon Journal)

Kent State student section at Wagon Wheel game in Kent on Oct. 24, 2026.
(Lisa Scalfaro, Akron Beacon Journal)

Kent State quarterback Dru DeShields hands off to Brandon White during the football Wagon Wheel game in Kent on Oct. 24, 2026.
(Lisa Scalfaro, Akron Beacon Journal)

Flash leads the players into the field. Kent State hosted University of Akron for the football Wagon Wheel game in Kent on Oct. 24, 2026.
(Lisa Scalfaro, Akron Beacon Journal)

Kent State’s Dustyn Morell covers quarterback Dru DeShields during the football Wagon Wheel game in Kent on Oct. 24, 2026.
(Lisa Scalfaro, Akron Beacon Journal)

Kent State quarterback Dru DeShields throws the ball during the football Wagon Wheel game in Kent on Oct. 24, 2026.
(Lisa Scalfaro, Akron Beacon Journal)

Akron’s Marquese Williams with possession during the football Wagon Wheel game in Kent on Oct. 24, 2026.
(Lisa Scalfaro, Akron Beacon Journal)

Akron quarterback Brayden Roggow looks to pass during the football Wagon Wheel game in Kent on Oct. 24, 2026.
(Lisa Scalfaro, Akron Beacon Journal)

Akron cheerleader during the football Wagon Wheel game in Kent on Oct. 24, 2026.
(Lisa Scalfaro, Akron Beacon Journal)

Akron’s Myles Walker scores at the football Wagon Wheel game in Kent on Oct. 24, 2026.
(Lisa Scalfaro, Akron Beacon Journal)

Akron’s Marquese Williams with possession, Kent’s Clinton Robinson reaching out during the football Wagon Wheel game in Kent on Oct. 24, 2026.
(Lisa Scalfaro, Akron Beacon Journal)

Kent State quarterback Dru DeShields runs with the ball during the football Wagon Wheel game in Kent on Oct. 24, 2026.
(Lisa Scalfaro, Akron Beacon Journal)

Kent State’s Brandon White runs with the ball, Akron’s Tairan Davis Jr. on defense during the football Wagon Wheel game in Kent on Oct. 24, 2026.
(Lisa Scalfaro, Akron Beacon Journal)

Akron’s Tim Grear, Jr. with possession, Kent’s Norey Johnson on defense during the football Wagon Wheel game in Kent on Oct. 24, 2026.
(Lisa Scalfaro, Akron Beacon Journal)

Akron’s Kyan Mason with possession, Kent’s Cyrus Durham on defense during the football Wagon Wheel game in Kent on Oct. 24, 2026.
(Lisa Scalfaro, Akron Beacon Journal)

Akron’s Conner Cravaack tries to stay in bounds after Kent’s Norey Johnson hit during the football Wagon Wheel game in Kent on Oct. 24, 2026.
(Lisa Scalfaro, Akron Beacon Journal)

Kent State’s Norey Johnson keeps Kyan Mason from completing a pass during the football Wagon Wheel game in Kent on Oct. 24, 2026.
(Lisa Scalfaro, Akron Beacon Journal)

Akron quarterback Brayden Roggow with possession, Kent’s Aiden Burgess tries to spin for Roggow during the football Wagon Wheel game in Kent on Oct. 24, 2026.
(Lisa Scalfaro, Akron Beacon Journal)

Kent State athletic director Randale Richmond high fives new recipients of a letterman jacket during the football Wagon Wheel game in Kent on Oct. 24, 2026.
(Lisa Scalfaro, Akron Beacon Journal)

Kent State Tyler Bivens prevents Marcel Williams from completing the pass during the football Wagon Wheel game in Kent on Oct. 24, 2026.
(Lisa Scalfaro, Akron Beacon Journal)

Akron’s Jordan Gant scores during the football Wagon Wheel game in Kent on Oct. 24, 2026.
(Lisa Scalfaro, Akron Beacon Journal)

Akron’s Jordan Gant surrounded by defenders and the offense during the football Wagon Wheel game in Kent on Oct. 24, 2026.
(Lisa Scalfaro, Akron Beacon Journal)

Akron’s Jordan Gant reacts to his touchdown during the football Wagon Wheel game in Kent on Oct. 24, 2026.
(Lisa Scalfaro, Akron Beacon Journal)

Kent State’s quarterback Dru DeShields iafter scoring on a carry during the football Wagon Wheel game in Kent on Oct. 24, 2026.
(Lisa Scalfaro, Akron Beacon Journal)

Flash and Zippy walking during the football Wagon Wheel game in Kent on Oct. 24, 2026.
(Lisa Scalfaro, Akron Beacon Journal)

Boxes of pizzas were handed out to the Kent student section during the football Wagon Wheel game in Kent on Oct. 24, 2026.
(Lisa Scalfaro, Akron Beacon Journal)

Kent State’s Brandon White with a carry during the football Wagon Wheel game in Kent on Oct. 24, 2026.
(Lisa Scalfaro, Akron Beacon Journal)

Kent State cheerleader mid flip during the football Wagon Wheel game in Kent on Oct. 24, 2026.
(Lisa Scalfaro, Akron Beacon Journal)

Kent State’s Ben Midea celebrates with teammates, including Hunter Hopperton during the football Wagon Wheel game in Kent on Oct. 24, 2026.
(Lisa Scalfaro, Akron Beacon Journal)

Akron cheerleaders during the football Wagon Wheel game in Kent on Oct. 24, 2026.
(Lisa Scalfaro, Akron Beacon Journal)

Kent State marching band during the football Wagon Wheel game in Kent on Oct. 24, 2026.
(Lisa Scalfaro, Akron Beacon Journal)

Kent State’s Norey Johnson reacts after intercepting the ball during the football Wagon Wheel game in Kent on Oct. 24, 2026.
(Lisa Scalfaro, Akron Beacon Journal)

A flag is thrown in the air after a scuffle on the field during the football Wagon Wheel game in Kent on Oct. 24, 2026.
(Lisa Scalfaro, Akron Beacon Journal)

Akron’s Miles Burris completes the pass during the football Wagon Wheel game in Kent on Oct. 24, 2026.
(Lisa Scalfaro, Akron Beacon Journal)

Akron’s Conner Cravaack is ejected after throwing a punch during the football Wagon Wheel game in Kent on Oct. 24, 2026.
(Lisa Scalfaro, Akron Beacon Journal)

Kent State’s quarterback Dru DeShields hands off to Jakorion Caffey during the football Wagon Wheel game in Kent on Oct. 24, 2026.
(Lisa Scalfaro, Akron Beacon Journal)

Kent State’s A'tiq Muhammad tackles Jordan Gant during the football Wagon Wheel game in Kent on Oct. 24, 2026.
(Lisa Scalfaro, Akron Beacon Journal)

Kent State’s quarterback Dru DeShields is helped up by Cecil Wilson after scoring on a carry during the football Wagon Wheel game in Kent on Oct. 24, 2026.
(Lisa Scalfaro, Akron Beacon Journal)

University of Akron players with a coach chat about a play during the football Wagon Wheel game in Kent on Oct. 24, 2026.
(Lisa Scalfaro, Akron Beacon Journal)

Kent State’s Wayne Harris doesn’t complete the pass during the football Wagon Wheel game in Kent on Oct. 24, 2026.
(Lisa Scalfaro, Akron Beacon Journal)

The Kent State football team celebrates defeating the University of Akron in the Wagon Wheel game Oct. 24, 2026, at Dix Stadium.
(Lisa Scalfaro, Akron Beacon Journal)

Kent State hosted University of Akron for the football Wagon Wheel game in Kent on Oct. 24, 2026.
(Lisa Scalfaro, Akron Beacon Journal)

After leading Kent State to a 42-35 overtime victory at Akron in 2025, DeShields is back for his second season as KSU's starter. This time against the Zips, he went 18-of-33 passing for 294 yards and four touchdowns without an interception. He also rushed eight times for 28 yards and a TD. He did not take a sack. Harris caught nine passes on 17 targets for 156 yards and three touchdowns.

"Dru's pretty good," Kent State coach Mark Carney said during a postgame news conference. "I enjoy coaching him. We've been through a lot together here."

On the other hand, Moorhead and Akron third-string quarterback Brayden Roggow are a relatively new tandem as the offensive play-caller and starting QB. Roggow made his fifth consecutive start and finished 20-of-34 passing for 275 yards with one interception and no touchdowns. He took three sacks.

Kent State quarterback Dru DeShields throws the ball during the football Wagon Wheel game in Kent on Oct. 24, 2026.

The Zips spent the offseason preparing to start Reese Poffenbarger at quarterback, but he has yet to play because of NCAA eligibility issues. No. 2 QB Cibastian Broughton has been sidelined since suffering a leg injury on Sept. 19 against Minnesota. Broughton was in uniform at Kent State, though he didn't play. Moorhead said he hopes to have Broughton back in action for Akron's next game on Nov. 3 against Ohio.

None of this is meant to suggest Kent State beat Akron simply because the Golden Flashes have had an established starting quarterback for more than a year while the Zips have been forced to resort to their third option this season.

However, it is worth pointing out those circumstances reduced UA's margin for error against KSU.

Akron outgained Kent State 422 yards to 376 and tallied five more first downs (26 to 21). But the Zips also hurt themselves way too much, losing the turnover battle 2-1 and racking up 15 penalties for 165 yards. KSU had three for 35 yards. Not even running back Jordan Gant's dominant individual performance (28 carries for 162 yards, 5.8 average, and two TDs) could bring the Wagon Wheel trophy back to UA.

Akron quarterback Brayden Roggow looks to pass during the football Wagon Wheel game in Kent on Oct. 24, 2026.

Kent State is 3-5, including 2-2 in the MAC, with four regular-season games left. Its next game is set for Oct. 30 at Sacramento State. Bowl eligibility is a possibility for the Golden Flashes, provided they use their triumph over the Zips (1-7, 0-4) as a spark and embark on a late-season run. KSU snapped a three-game losing streak and ensured Akron's skid extended to six games.

"I think part of the locker room probably needed a little proof of concept to see it work and, hey, yeah, what we're doing actually is working and valuable," said Carney, whose head coaching record against Akron improved to 2-0. "But, man, we've still got everything we want right in front of us."

More Kent State football: Inside KSU hiring Josh Cribbs as a Golden Flashes assistant coach

A dynamic playmaker like Harris, Clark didn't appear in the first half as a kickoff returner or wide receiver. He stood on the sideline in full uniform without entering the game until the third quarter. Carney spoke as if a disciplinary issue was the reason.

"People make choices, you know? And Da'Realyst will learn from his choices, and we'll be better next week," Carney said.

Kent State's Wayne Harris doesn't complete the pass during the football Wagon Wheel game in Kent on Oct. 24, 2026. — Kent State’s Wayne Harris doesn’t complete the pass during the football Wagon Wheel game in Kent on Oct. 24, 2026.

Clark returned one kickoff for 20 yards and caught one pass for 5 yards. He may feel compelled to thank DeShields and Harris for creating magic while his availability was limited.

On DeShields' first touchdown pass with 36 seconds left in the second quarter, he looked as if he might be sacked, but after he was hit he flipped the ball to Harris for a 1-yard score. Harris' second TD with 6:27 remaining in the third quarter was a 55-yard catch-and-run on a pass deflected near the line of scrimmage by Akron defensive end Cyrus Durham. DeShields stepped out of a would-be sack as he rolled to his right and connected with Harris in the end zone for a 19-yard TD with 6:40 left in the fourth quarter.

"That's one of the biggest parts of my game — the creation ability that I have," DeShields said during a postgame news conference. "I mean, credit to Wayne finding an open space. He would've been mad at me if I wouldn't have thrown the ball on the 1-yard touchdown. He knew. He said it right after. He's like, 'I knew you were throwing it to me.' I was like, 'Yeah, you did.' And then the scramble touchdown, Wayne put his hands up in the air. I saw him, and he was open."

Kent State's Dustyn Morell (54) blocks for quarterback Dru DeShields during the Wagon Wheel game against Akron on Oct. 24, 2026, in Kent. — Kent State’s Dustyn Morell (54) blocks for quarterback Dru DeShields during the Wagon Wheel game against Akron on Oct. 24, 2026, in Kent.

Roggow and Zips receivers have not had enough time on task to develop the same level of improvisational chemistry as DeShields and Harris, who's been playing for KSU since 2024.

The 19-yard scoring strike between DeShields and Harris came three plays after Moorhead gambled. Trailing 21-17 and facing fourth-and-9 at its own 21-yard line, Akron attempted a fake punt. On the trick play, punter Joseph Castle looked to pass, but he must not have seen anyone open because he took off to run. Kent State's Ezekiel Castex tackled Castle for a turnover on downs with 7:34 left in the fourth quarter. KSU gained possession at the UA 22.

"I made an aggressive decision there to go for the fake punt when momentum was swinging their way," Moorhead said. "I was told the look was there, so we let the thing rip."

On the kickoff after DeShields' 19-yard TD pass to Harris, Akron running back Luke Reed muffed the ball, and Kent State linebacker Tanner Mintz recovered it at the UA 13. Three plays later, DeShields rushed for a 1-yard TD with 4:54 remaining and virtually sealed KSU's win.

Kent State has DeShields, its main man at quarterback. And Akron has been adjusting at QB all season.

Nate Ulrich is the sports columnist of the Akron Beacon Journal and a sports features writer. Nate can be reached at nulrich@thebeaconjournal.com . On Twitter: @ByNateUlrich .

This article originally appeared on Akron Beacon Journal: Kent State, Akron's contrasting QB situations glaring in MAC clash. Opinion

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