Akron claims first MAC East Division title since 2005

AKRON, Ohio -- Ulysees Gilbert returned a fumble 40 yards for a touchdown on the final play of the first half and Akron cruised to a 24-14 victory over Kent State on Tuesday night to claim its first Mid-American Conference East Division title since 2005. Kato Nelson completed just 6 of 20 passes for 69 yards for the Zips (7-5, 6-2), but he found Kobe Booker open for a 25-yard scoring strike in the first quarter. After Nick Gasser nailed a 45-yard field goal, Akron led 10-0. The Golden Flashes (2-10, 1-7) pulled within three points on Justin Rankin 's 8-yard TD run in the second quarter, but Akron scored two touchdowns in the last 18 seconds to close out the half. Manny Morgan 's 1-yard TD plunge pushed the lead to 17-7 and then Jamal Davis II forced a fumble by Kesean Gamble and Gilbert scooped and scored.