2025 Week 12 Wagon Wheel Preview: Kent State Golden Flashes @ Akron Zips

2025 Week 12 Wagon Wheel Preview: Kent State Golden Flashes @ Akron Zips

Improved Akron and Kent State face off for the Wagon Wheel trophy on Tuesday night during MACtion. Darius Rucker, a well-known MAC enthusiast, echoed the iconic chorus from his 2013 hit “Wagon Wheel”:

“So, rock me mama like a wagon wheel. Rock me mama any way you feel. Rock me mama like the wind and the rain. Rock me mama like a southbound train. Mama rock me.”

This trophy symbolizes the rivalry that began when the two Northeast Ohio schools first met in 1923. The Wagon Wheel trophy itself was created ahead of their 1946 game, following World War II. The teams have met 67 times, with Akron holding a 9-game lead in the historic series.

This year’s matchup holds special significance as both teams have improved significantly. Akron hosts the game at 4-6, striving for its first 5-win season since 2017. Kent State arrives on the road at 3-6, already surpassing its total wins from the previous two seasons combined.

While one team faces the reality of a losing season, the other aims to celebrate a victorious night with the Wagon Wheel in Akron.

Kent State's Progress

Kent State (3-6, 2-3 MAC) has shown it can win close games now. Unlike the 2023 and 2024 teams, the Golden Flashes have been competitive, holding late-game leads in two of their three conference losses.

Both teams’ improvements promise a compelling rivalry game with high stakes on the line.

"Kent State is 2-3 in MAC play — and they held leads with under two minutes remaining in two of their three conference defeats."

Summary: Akron and Kent State renew their rivalry with renewed strength, both aiming to break season marks and claim the treasured Wagon Wheel trophy in a fiercely contested MAC game.

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