The odds were stacked against the Kent State Golden Flashes in their 2021 opener. Entering with seven wins in their last eight contests, Kent State traveled to College Station in hopes of upsetting the No. 6 Texas A&M Aggies. Vegas set the line at Kent State (+29.5), giving the Golden Flashes leeway of four touchdowns to cover.
In the first half, Kent State remained one step behind the Aggies the entire time. Thanks to a pair of Elvis Hines interceptions and a crucial fourth down stop, the Golden Flashes defense held Texas A&M in check. But Kent State threw an interception of its own in the end zone just seconds before halftime, entering the break with a 10-3 deficit — still a one-possession game.