

But Schlee took a brutal third down sack on a designed run which positioned the Golden Flashes back to the 8-yard line. Kent State’s offense creeped onto the doorstep of the end zone, facing a 3rd and goal at the 1. With a 31-point deficit and a spread of 29.5, all Kent State needed was a field goal to cover the spread. However, Texas A&M wide receiver Ainias Smith muffed the punt and the Golden Flashes recovered six yards away from the end zone. Kent State was unable to score on consecutive possessions and punted to the Aggies after a quick three-and-out.

But Texas A&M responded with a touchdown two minutes later, securing a 41-10 lead with 6:26 remaining. In the middle of the final frame, Kent State re-entered cover territory with its first touchdown of the night, a 1-yard rush by backup quarterback Collin Schlee. A Leon O’Neal pick six swung the momentum in favor of the Aggies which opened the second half with 24 unanswered points. The third quarter could not have been more fortunate to the home team. But Kent State threw an interception of its own in the end zone just seconds before halftime, entering the break with a 10-3 deficit - still a one-possession game. Thanks to a pair of Elvis Hines interceptions and a crucial fourth down stop, the Golden Flashes defense held Texas A&M in check. In the first half, Kent State remained one step behind the Aggies the entire time. Vegas set the line at Kent State (+29.5), giving the Golden Flashes leeway of four touchdowns to cover. Entering with seven wins in their last eight contests, Kent State traveled to College Station in hopes of upsetting the No. The odds were stacked against the Kent State Golden Flashes in their 2021 opener.
