FOOTBALL: Live Blog, youth has Flashes in halftime tie at UMass

By David Carducci

Director of New Media

Kent State and UMass are tied 10-10 at the half thanks to a 2-yard touchdown pass from Bollas to Charles Chandler.

The Flashes did a nice job of answering a long drive by UMass that tied the game on a 22-yard field goal prior to the touchdown march.

Bollas has done a nice job, completing 12-of-17 for 98 yards in his first start. The Flashes have been ultra conservative in their playcalling. That was obvious in a final drive that saw Kent State use up most of the clock instead of trying to improve their chances for a late score inside UMass territory. Instead of spiking the ball after picking up a first down, the Flashes allowed time to tick away before Bollas fired for the end zone. The deep throw was picked off to end the half.

Youth has been the name of the game for Kent State as fellow freshman Raekwon James has been a factor in both the passing (5 for 52 yards) and the running (7-for-38) games. Bollas has six rushing attempts for 55 yards, including a 25-yarder to get into UMass territory a few plays before his touchdown pass.

Unfortunately, another freshman, Myles Washington, who has 18 yards on six carries, had to be taken to the locker room with an injury.

Chandler, by the way, is yet another freshman, as is P.J. Simmons, who had a 19-yard catch at the sideline deep in UMass territory, setting the stage for the Flashes touchdown.

Freshman Shane Hynes scored the Flashes first points on a 22-yard field goal.

Frohnapfel has 137 yards passing and Sharpe has five catches or UMass, but that dangerous duo has been held mostly in check. Cuthbert has a pick of Frohnapfel.

The Kent State offense has actually outgained the high-powered UMass passing game.