Introduction
In the dynamic world of college football, few matchups illustrate the vast disparities between teams as vividly as the 2024 season clash between the Kent State Golden Flashes and the Tennessee Volunteers. While Tennessee, a powerhouse in the Southeastern Conference (SEC), showcased dominance on both sides of the ball, Kent State, competing in the Mid-American Conference (MAC), faced one of its most challenging seasons in recent memory. This article provides an in-depth comparison of Kent State Golden Flashes vs Tennessee Volunteers Football Stats from the 2024 season, highlighting their offensive and defensive performances, key player contributions, and the outcome of their head-to-head encounter. By examining these aspects, we gain valuable insights into the contrasting fortunes of these two programs.
Team Overview
Kent State Golden Flashes
The Kent State Golden Flashes have a storied history in college football, dating back to their first game in 1920. However, the 2024 season was particularly tough for the program. Competing in the MAC, the team finished with a winless 0-12 record, marking them as one of the few winless teams in the FBS that year (Kent State 2024 Stats). Head coach Kenni Burns, in his second year at the helm, faced significant challenges in turning around a program that struggled on both offense and defense. Despite the difficulties, the Golden Flashes showed resilience, though their overall performance highlighted areas needing substantial improvement.
Tennessee Volunteers
The Tennessee Volunteers, a perennial contender in the SEC, had a highly successful 2024 season. Under the leadership of head coach Josh Heupel, known for his high-octane offensive schemes, the Volunteers finished with a 10-3 record and secured a spot in the College Football Playoff, where they ultimately fell to Ohio State (Tennessee 2024 Stats). Tennessee’s offense was one of the most explosive in the nation, while their defense consistently shut down opponents, making them a formidable force throughout the season.
2024 Season Performance
Overall Record
The 2024 season underscored the significant gap between these two teams. Tennessee finished with an impressive 10-3 record, ranking 9th in the final AP poll and showcasing their status as a top-tier program. In contrast, Kent State went 0-12, finishing last in the MAC and struggling to find any momentum throughout the year (Kent State 2024 Schedule). This stark difference in win-loss records highlights the challenges faced by teams at different levels of college football.
Offensive Stats
Tennessee’s offense was a juggernaut in 2024, averaging 447.0 total yards per game, which ranked 20th in the FBS. The Volunteers’ passing game was particularly strong, averaging 221.2 yards per game, while their rushing attack contributed 225.8 yards per game, showcasing a balanced and effective offensive strategy (Tennessee Team Stats). On the other hand, Kent State’s offense struggled significantly, averaging only 233.3 total yards per game, with 156.3 passing yards and 76.9 rushing yards per game—both ranking near the bottom of the FBS. The Golden Flashes’ inability to move the ball consistently was a major factor in their winless season.
| Team | Total Yards/Game | Passing Yards/Game | Rushing Yards/Game | Points/Game |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Tennessee Volunteers | 447.0 | 221.2 | 225.8 | 35.7 |
| Kent State Golden Flashes | 233.3 | 156.3 | 76.9 | 13.9 |
Defensive Stats
Defensively, Tennessee was equally impressive, allowing just 293.2 total yards per game, which ranked 7th in the FBS. The Volunteers’ defense held opponents to 189.3 passing yards and 103.9 rushing yards per game, making them one of the stingiest units in college football. In stark contrast, Kent State’s defense was one of the worst in the nation, allowing 516.0 total yards per game, with 251.1 passing yards and 264.9 rushing yards per game—both ranking last in the FBS (Kent State Team Stats). This defensive inefficiency further compounded the Golden Flashes’ struggles.
| Team | Total Yards Allowed/Game | Passing Yards Allowed/Game | Rushing Yards Allowed/Game | Points Allowed/Game |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Tennessee Volunteers | 293.2 | 189.3 | 103.9 | 16.1 |
| Kent State Golden Flashes | 516.0 | 251.1 | 264.9 | 44.1 |
Head-to-Head Matchup in 2024
Game Summary
The matchup between Kent State and Tennessee took place on September 14, 2024, at Neyland Stadium in Knoxville, Tennessee. From the opening kickoff, it was clear that this would be a lopsided affair. Tennessee dominated on both sides of the ball, scoring early and often. The final score was a resounding 71-0 in favor of the Volunteers, marking one of the most one-sided victories in college football that season (Tennessee vs Kent State). The game served as a stark reminder of the gap between the two programs.
Statistical Breakdown
In this game, Tennessee’s offense was unstoppable, accumulating 614 total yards, with 312 passing yards and 302 rushing yards. Quarterback Nico Iamaleava threw for 251 yards and 2 touchdowns, while running back Dylan Sampson rushed for 101 yards and 4 touchdowns—all in the first half (Tennessee vs Kent State Box Score). Kent State’s offense, meanwhile, managed only 127 total yards, with 73 passing yards and 54 rushing yards, and failed to score any points. The Golden Flashes’ defense was overwhelmed, allowing Tennessee to score on nearly every possession.
| Team | Total Yards | Passing Yards | Rushing Yards | Points |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Tennessee Volunteers | 614 | 312 | 302 | 71 |
| Kent State Golden Flashes | 127 | 73 | 54 | 0 |
Key Players and Their Contributions
Kent State Key Players
Despite the team’s overall struggles, some players stood out for Kent State. Quarterback Tommy Ulatowski led the team in passing, throwing for 1,353 yards, 15 touchdowns, and 8 interceptions. Running back Gavin Garcia was the leading rusher with 387 yards and 2 touchdowns. While these numbers are modest compared to top-tier programs, they highlight the individual efforts of players trying to make an impact on a struggling team (Kent State Player Stats).
Tennessee Key Players
Tennessee’s roster was filled with talent, and several players had standout seasons. Quarterback Nico Iamaleava was a revelation, passing for 2,616 yards, 19 touchdowns, and just 5 interceptions. Running back Dylan Sampson was a workhorse, rushing for 1,485 yards and 19 touchdowns, making him one of the top rushers in the FBS. Wide receiver Dont’e Thornton Jr. led the receiving corps with 647 yards and 6 touchdowns, providing a reliable target for Iamaleava (Tennessee Player Stats).
Coaching and Strategy
Kent State Coaching Staff
Head coach Kenni Burns, in his second year at Kent State, faced an uphill battle in 2024. His strategy focused on building a strong foundation and developing young talent, but the team’s performance indicated significant challenges in offensive execution and defensive resilience. Burns will need to focus on recruiting and player development to turn the program around (Kent State Football).
Tennessee Coaching Staff
Josh Heupel’s tenure at Tennessee has been marked by offensive excellence. Known for his up-tempo, high-scoring approach, Heupel has transformed the Volunteers into one of the most exciting teams in college football. His ability to develop young talent, such as quarterback Nico Iamaleava, has been a key factor in Tennessee’s success (Tennessee Football).
Future Outlook
Looking ahead, Kent State faces a long road to recovery. The program will need to focus on recruiting, player development, and strategic improvements to compete in the MAC. Tennessee, on the other hand, is poised for continued success. With a young and talented roster, including players like Iamaleava and Sampson, the Volunteers are expected to remain a contender in the SEC and potentially make another run at the College Football Playoff.
Conclusion
The 2024 season highlighted the vast differences between the Kent State Golden Flashes and the Tennessee Volunteers. While Tennessee showcased dominance on both sides of the ball, finishing with a 10-3 record and a spot in the College Football Playoff, Kent State struggled to find consistency, finishing winless at 0-12. This comparison underscores the challenges faced by teams at different levels of college football and the importance of strategic planning, player development, and coaching excellence. As both programs look to the future, fans can expect Tennessee to remain a force in the SEC, while Kent State works toward rebuilding and reclaiming its competitive edge.
For more in-depth analysis and updates on college football, follow our coverage throughout the season. Whether you’re a fan of the Golden Flashes or the Volunteers, there’s always more to discover in the ever-evolving world of college football.
FAQs Kent State Golden Flashes vs Tennessee Volunteers Football Stats
- What was the final score of the Kent State vs. Tennessee game in 2024?
The final score was 71-0, with Tennessee winning. - Who was the leading passer for Kent State in 2024?
Tommy Ulatowski led Kent State in passing with 1,353 yards. - Who was the leading rusher for Tennessee in 2024?
Dylan Sampson led Tennessee in rushing with 1,485 yards. - How did Tennessee’s defense perform in 2024?
Tennessee’s defense allowed 293.2 total yards per game, ranking 7th in the FBS. - What is the future outlook for both teams?
Kent State needs to focus on recruiting and development, while Tennessee is expected to remain competitive in the SEC.
