The University of Akron Athletics
Wagon Wheel Series Remembered: Nov. 8, 1997 (part 3 of 5)
November 09 | Football
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The Akron and Kent State football programs face off on Saturday at 2 p.m. ET at InfoCision Stadium – Summa Field in the 54th all-time meeting on the gridiron and 41st time with the coveted Wagon Wheel trophy at stake. In the days leading up to the game, GoZips.com will revisit highlights from one of collegiate athletics most unique rivalry series – the PNC Wagon Wheel Challenge.
Zips Spark Wagon Wheel Win Streak in 1997...
Nov. 8, 1997 – Akron 45, Kent State 35
Akron dominated the 40th edition of the rivalry for the first three quarters and held off a Kent State fourth-quarter rally to win 45-35 on Nov. 8, 1997 at the Rubber Bowl. The victory sparked a Zips' six-game win streak in the series.
Akron rushed for 470 yards and piled up 554 yards of offense. Zips junior tailback Greg Lomax (pictured) posted a career-high 173 rushing yards, including an 87-yard gallop on the first play from scrimmage to open the second half.
Kent State took the opening kickoff and drove 80 yards for a touchdown – a 15-yard pass from Jose Davis to Eugene Baker. The Zips then reeled off 45-straight points to go up 45-7 heading into the fourth quarter.
The Flashes recovered two onside kicks, recovered an Akron fumble and deflected a punt to fuel their comeback.
Read other GoZips.com Wagon Wheel Series Remembered stories:
Last Wagon Wheel Game in the Rubber Bowl: Sept. 22, 2007
Wagon Wheel Rivalry Renewed in 1972: Sept. 9, 1972
Zips Rout Flashes in 2002 Wagon Wheel Matchup: Nov. 23, 2002
