The importance of this opening weekend Wagon Wheel trophy game, pitting Akron and Kent State can’t be understated. Not only will the winner take the coveted trophy, but they would also start the MAC conference season 1-0 in what could turn out to be a very muddled division.
First, we’ll start with the rivalry itself. Dix stadium is set to be the location of the 59th meeting between these two schools. With Akron holding a 32-24-2 edge overall, but since 1946 Kent State leads the series 23-21-1. While both programs have had brief spells of success, this isn't exactly a football rivalry the has wide-ranging national relevance.