FOOTBALL: Live Blog, Defense has the Flashes in position at UMass

UPDATE: Youth on offense and a spectacular defensive effort helped the Golden Flashes secure a 15-10 victory over UMass and move into a second-place tie in the Mid-American Conference East Division at 2-1. For the whole story, notes, photos and video, visit KentStateSports.com.

By David Carducci
Director of New Media

A Shane Hynes field goal of 39 yards has Kent State up 13-10 after three quarters, but the Flashes are in a precarious position to start the fourth as Anthony Melchiori will be punting from the back of his own end zone.

UMass downed a punt inside the KSU 1 to start the drive, although it appeared the Minutemen player had his foot on the line as he kept the football out of the end zone. There was no review.

As I type, Melchiori boomed a 45-yarder when the Flashes had to have a big punt. Minutemen will start from midfield.

Penalties have hurt UMass as well. The Minutemen were driving for a potential game-tying field goal or a touchdown for the lead, completing a third-down pass for a first down deep in Kent State territory only to have that play eliminated by a hold.

Flashes defense has been poised since giving up some big chunks of yardage on the ground in the second quarter.

UMass opened the third quarter with an attempted trick play, but KSU sniffed out the throwback pass to Fronhapfel. Cuthbert flushed him out of the pocket and Cunninhgam brought him down for the sack.

KSU’s entire defense saw a screen pass coming on the next play, forcing Fronhapfel to dump the football into the dirt.