Wagon Wheel Up for Grabs Tuesday Night in Akron
Kent State Golden Flashes vs. Akron Zips
The Kent State Golden Flashes (3-6, 2-3 MAC) will travel across Summit County to face the Akron Zips (4-6, 3-3 MAC) on Tuesday night at InfoCision Stadium in the intense Battle for the Wagon Wheel.
Series History and Rivalry Stakes
This game marks the 69th meeting between these fierce in-state rivals. Akron leads the all-time series with a record of 38-28-2. The Zips have claimed victory in the last two games, including a 38-17 win earlier in 2024.
The Wagon Wheel trophy, representing dominance in this Northeast Ohio rivalry, has been in Akron's possession since that defeat, making Tuesday's contest crucial for Kent State's pride and standing in the conference.
Coaching and Quarterback Connection
A unique aspect of this rivalry renewal lies in the two head coaches, both former quarterbacks at Fordham University. Kent State’s Mark Carney and Akron’s Joe Moorhead bring a personal history to the matchup.
- Mark Carney ranks fifth all-time at Fordham with 32 passing touchdowns and tenth with 3,496 passing yards. He set a touchdown record in 2001.
- Joe Moorhead ranks seventh all-time with 30 passing touchdowns and fifth with 5,925 passing yards at Fordham.
Now, they face each other as head coaches in the MAC, adding another layer of intrigue to this rivalry.
"Kent State Golden Flashes (3-6, 2-3 MAC) travel across Summit County to face the Akron Zips (4-6, 3-3 MAC) in the Battle for the Wagon Wheel."
Tuesday's game is not just about the trophy but also impacts conference positioning and local bragging rights.
Author's Summary
The Wagon Wheel rivalry renews with two former Fordham quarterbacks now coaching against each other, amplifying the stakes for Kent State and Akron in this important MAC showdown.