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FACTS & STATS: Site: Dix Stadium (20,500) -- Kent, Ohio. Television: ESPN2. Home Record: CMU 2-1, KSU 2-2. Away Record: CMU 1-5, KSU 0-4. Neutral Record: CMU 0-0, KSU 0-0. Conference Record: CMU 2-3, KSU 1-3. Series Record: Central Michigan leads, 22-9.

GAME NOTES: Central Michigan will look to continue its success against Kent State when the Chippewas take on the Golden Flashes this Friday night at Dix Stadium.

The Chippewas have gotten the better of Kent State through the years, winning 22 of the 31 meetings.

Central Michigan was able to snap a three-game losing skid with a 23-22 victory over Akron last time out. It was just the third win on the year for the Chippewas, who are now 2-3 in Mid-American Conference play.

The Golden Flashes also snapped a three-game slide in their last matchup, as they defeated Bowling Green, 27-15. It was just the second win on the year for Kent State, with the only other victory coming against South Alabama.

The Chippewas have struggled offensively, and that is uncharacteristic of Central Michigan, which over the past few seasons has lit up scoreboards.

The passing attack has done the majority of damage for CMU, thanks in large part to Ryan Radcliff, who has 2,375 yards and 17 touchdowns on the year. David Blackburn is leading the team with five touchdown receptions, while Cody Wilson is pacing the squad with 47 catches and 522 yards.

The Chippewas have not been as consistent on the ground and come into this weekend only posting 125.0 ypg. However, that was not the case this past weekend, as CMU used its ground attack to narrowly defeat Akron.

Central Michigan gashed Akron for 192 yards on the ground and the majority of work was done by freshman Anthony Garland, who rumbled for 141 yards and one score. Since the rushing attack was so successful the team did not rely heavily on Radcliff, who threw for just 191 yards and one touchdown.

The Chippewas might have defeated Akron, but the defense almost coughed up the win, allowing 16 points in the final quarter. If not for a missed two-point conversion, the Chippewas would have suffered an embarrassing loss.

The Zips are not a high-powered offensive team, but they managed to collect 407 total yards against CMU, and finished with 269 yards and two touchdowns through the air. Throughout the season Central Michigan has struggled in this area, allowing 235.0 ypg and 17 touchdowns through the air. However, that is not the only area of concern because the Chippewas are also being trounced by the run, allowing 174.4 ypg.

If there was a bright spot to an otherwise miserable season for this defense it would be the play of Jahleel Addae, who is leading the team with 77 tackles and four interceptions.

During its second three-game losing skid the Golden Flashes totaled just 23 points, but the last time the team was in action the Flashes scored 27 points in a win over Bowling Green.

The offense wasn't exactly the reason for the win, as Kent State used the help of its kicker and also scored once defensively. Spencer Keith has endured a miserable campaign, but he managed to throw for 179 yards and one touchdown. The ground game was just as solid, as the team finished with 140 yards and one score.

Although the team was victorious the offense still has a long way to go, especially Keith, who has only four touchdowns against eight interceptions. It doesn't help that the ground game has done very little, averaging only 84.1 ypg on a mere 2.4 yards per attempt.

The poor play by the offense has taken away from the strong effort the defense has put forth. Sure, the unit is allowing over 25.0 ppg, but that has plenty to do with being on the field far too much thanks to the lackluster play of the offense.

Kent State surrendered 400 yards through the air against Bowling Green, but the defense also grabbed two interceptions and finished with four takeaways overall. One of the team's takeaways was a fumble, which was returned for a touchdown by Roosevelt Nix. Calvin Tiggle led the way with 14 tackles, while Luke Batton added 10 stops.

The Flashes continued to showcase their ability to stop the run by holding the Falcons to just 45 yards. Kent State on the year is limiting the opposition to just 127.2 ypg on 3.4 yards per carry.

If the Golden Flashes are going to be victorious they need the defense to step up once again. Kent State has played well on that side of the ball and should be able to limit a weak Central Michigan offense.

Sports Network Predicted Outcome: Kent State 17, Central Michigan 16