NCAA Football Preview - Kent State Golden Flashes
Sports Network | August 19, 2008
2008 ANALYSIS:
OFFENSE: The Flashes possess one of the most dangerous ground attacks in the Mid-American Conference. With star running back Eugene Jarvis and quarterback Julian Edelman back in the fold, KSU should once again dominate the MAC with its ground game. Jarvis only stands at 5-5, but the tiny back plays with a big heart, and although he might not reach his numbers from a year ago (1,669 yards and 10 TDs), expect the junior to be one of the top tailbacks in the conference.
While Edelman is dangerous with his feet, he has to perform much better with his arm. Last year, the senior only completed 51.9 percent of his passes and finished with just seven passing TDs and nine interceptions. For the Flashes to succeed this year, the quarterback must stay healthy and improve drastically in the pocket. The wideouts for KSU were not utilized nearly enough last season, as the top performer was Phil Garner who caught just 27 passes and one touchdown. The leading receiver was Jarvis, who also finished with 306 receiving yards.
The main objective for head coach Doug Martin this season will be to balance out his offense, but to do so Edelman must made tremendous strides.
DEFENSE: The Golden Flashes could do little right last year on the defensive side of the ball, but with eight starters back coach Martin should expect to see vast improvement. For the second consecutive season, the defense limited the opposition to less than 3.0 ypc, and with three starters back, including Kevin Hogan, expect another strong showing this fall. Hogan is without question the anchor along KSU's front line, and his five sacks last year led the squad. The linebackers should also put forth a much better effort, as all three starters return, including the team's most decorated player in Derrick Burrell. The senior led the squad last year with 112 tackles and could be one of the most complete linebackers in the MAC.
The defensive backfield was the biggest weakness for KSU last year, and with two new starters, this unit could face some more struggles in 2008. Rico Murray is the only senior of the bunch, and the cornerback will have to be a leader for sophomores Brian Lainhart and Will Johnson.
SPECIAL TEAMS: Last season, the Golden Flashes consistently lost field position with poor punting efforts from Jake Kilroy (30.5 net average), but coach Martin is hoping true freshman Matt Rinehart can step in and help the team instantly. Nate Reed did a commendable job as the team's kicker, and although he missed five extra points, the junior was 18-of-24 on field goals, including 5-of-6 from 40 yards and beyond. Derek McBryde and Alan Vanderink will likely resume their kick return duties, but the team will have to replace Jon Drager, who was the sole punt returner from a year ago.
OUTLOOK: The Golden Flashes are poised to post their first winning ledger since 2001, but for the team to achieve that goal Edelman must stay healthy, and improve his accuracy. If KSU can improve against the pass this should be one of the better defensive units in the MAC.
Coach Martin's squad does not have an easy slate to start the year, as the team must face Boston College and Iowa State. In conference, Kent State avoids a meeting with Central Michigan, but the team must do battle with Ball State and Bowling Green on the road. If all goes right, and the Golden Flashes can dodge major injuries, this could be the season that they make a statement.
