The University of Akron Athletics
Finley Named MAC Scholar Athlete of the Week
November 19 | Football
CLEVELAND, Ohio – University of Akron quarterback Ben Finley was named the Mid-American Conference Male Scholar Athlete of the Week on Wednesday (Nov. 19) for his career-high performance in the Wagon Wheel Gama against rival Kent State on Tuesday (Nov. 11) at InfoCision Stadium Summa Health Field.
Finley was outstanding in the battle for the wheel, completing 32 of 59 pass attempts for a career-high 424 passing yards. Finley three touchdown passes, including a 42-yard strike to Marcel Williams who also had a career performance night. Finley connected with Williams 14 times for 206 yards on a pair of touchdowns. Israel Polk was also on the receiving end of a Finely touchdown pass as he caught four passes for 67 yards and a 19-yard long reception. Finley's 400+ yard performance was the first for an Akron quarterback since DJ Irons threw for 420 yards at Kent State (Oct. 22, 2022), while Williams posted the first 200-yard performance from a receiver since Alex Adams had 200 in the same game on Oct. 22, 2022.
Despite falling in overtime (42-35) and relinquishing possession of the wheel, Akron outgained Kent State by 156 total yards (530-374) and 101 yards in the air (424-317). The Zips also held a 32-14 advantage in first downs while claiming the time of possession battle 38:40 to 21:20.
Finley is a redshirt senior earning an MBA in Business Interdisciplinary studies and maintains a 3.84 GPA.
Finley was outstanding in the battle for the wheel, completing 32 of 59 pass attempts for a career-high 424 passing yards. Finley three touchdown passes, including a 42-yard strike to Marcel Williams who also had a career performance night. Finley connected with Williams 14 times for 206 yards on a pair of touchdowns. Israel Polk was also on the receiving end of a Finely touchdown pass as he caught four passes for 67 yards and a 19-yard long reception. Finley's 400+ yard performance was the first for an Akron quarterback since DJ Irons threw for 420 yards at Kent State (Oct. 22, 2022), while Williams posted the first 200-yard performance from a receiver since Alex Adams had 200 in the same game on Oct. 22, 2022.
Despite falling in overtime (42-35) and relinquishing possession of the wheel, Akron outgained Kent State by 156 total yards (530-374) and 101 yards in the air (424-317). The Zips also held a 32-14 advantage in first downs while claiming the time of possession battle 38:40 to 21:20.
Finley is a redshirt senior earning an MBA in Business Interdisciplinary studies and maintains a 3.84 GPA.
Players Mentioned
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