Undercuffler's TD with 26 seconds left gives Akron a win over Kent State for the Wagon Wheel

Published Nov. 1, 2023 11:22 p.m. ET

Associated Press

AKRON, Ohio (AP) — Jeff Undercuffler Jr. scored a go-ahead touchdown with 26 seconds left and Akron scored 21 unanswered points in the fourth quarter on Wednesday night to beat Kent State 31-27 and claim the Wagon Wheel for the first time since 2018.

Akron trailed 27-10 entering the fourth quarter. Undercuffler capped a 16-play, 87-yard drive with a 22-yard touchdown pass to Jasaiah Gathings. Akron's next scoring drive lasted just 99 seconds as Lorenzo Lingard rushed for a 37-yard score to get within 27-24 with 3:32 left.

Kent State went three-and-out to give the ball back to Akron with 3:09 left. The Zips went 57 yards in nine plays, with Lingard gaining 15 yards on four carries. Lingard also made a key catch to get inside the 10-yard line, setting up Undercuffler's 5-yard sneak for the lead.

CJ Nunnally IV ended the game with a sack before he raced to the end zone to celebrate with his teammates holding the Wagon Wheel.

It was Akron's first comeback victory of 17 points or more since 2018.

Undercuffler threw for 298 yards and two touchdowns for Akron (2-7, 1-4 Mid-American Conference). Lingard had 22 carries for 106 yards and a touchdown.

Tommy Ulatowski had three touchdown passes for Kent State (1-8, 0-5). Chrishon McCray had six catches for 161 yards and two touchdowns.

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