Offensive Strengths
QB Joshua Cribbs IS the offense. Cribbs (6?1?? 195) became the first player in NCAA history to pass and run for over 1,000 yards (in each category) in a season. He did this after becoming the started in game three of the 2001 season. Cribbs accounted for 15 TDs and led the Golden Flashes to increase their points per game from 11 in 2000 to 22 in 2001. A true ?gamer,? Cribbs is unpredictable as a shifty runner and improving passer. Kent State is even considering using a modern rollout offense with some mild option capabilities to fully take advantage of Cribb?s skills. RB David Alston (5?10?? 190) may make some preseason all-conference teams after earning 2nd team All-MAC honors last fall. Alston was 9th in the MAC in rushing yards last year. Antonio King (6?0?? 205) & Eddie Beccles (5?8?? 175) give Kent State some decent depth at tailback. KSU ranked 14th in the nation with 216 yards rushing per game. Kent State returns three of five starters from the line that powered that rushing output. Steve Smith (6?4?? 265), Joel Reikowski (6?5?? 275), and Kevin Jamieson (6?3?? 306) all return. Kent does have some depth in the trenches with Chad Bandiera (6?3?? 270), Jason Andrews (6?5?? 280), Shaun Stewart (6?6?? 285), Daniel Carter (6?3?? 310) & Joshua VerHoeve (6?4?? 275).
Offensive Concerns
Let?s face it, other than Cribbs and Alston, there is not much offense. If Cribbs goes down, there is very little depth and absolutely no experience behind him. In the off season, three QB prospects left this program knowing they could not beat out Cribbs for the starting role. Right now, Redshirt freshmen Darryl Polk, Brent Marsteller along with true freshman Antwan Smith are listed behind Joshua Cribbs. Also, the receiving unit on this team is not nearly as talented as the top-level teams in the MAC. Kent State ranked 12th of 13 teams last year in passing offense. Players not getting open, dropping balls and not making yards after the catch were all problems. Joshua Bostick (6?2?? 200), Darrell Dowery (6?0?? 165), Ray Kemp (5?9?? 170), Maurio Medley (6?6?? 205), Daryl Moore5?11?? 180), DeMarkus Robinson (5?10?? 185), Derrick Bush (6?1?? 195)& Najah Pruden (6?3?? 175) need to provide some offensive spark and take some heat off of Cribbs and Alston. Kent does have some talent at FB and TE, but rarely utilize these players in their offense. Charles Newton (6?0?? 245), James Ruggiero (6?1?? 242), Brycen Ebre (6?3?? 265) & Neil Buckosh (6?3?? 235) need to get more involved. Graduation losses by two good offensive linemen, Brian Hallett & Victor Vrabel, along with Kent?s best WR Jurron Kelly, will be hard to replace.
Defensive Strengths
The Golden Flashes have steadily improved on defense under Dean Pees, a longtime defensive coordinator, and return eight starters from a unit that ranked 5th in the MAC in scoring defense. All four DB starters return after ranking 6th in the MAC in pass defense and intercepting 15 passes. Justin Baugham (5?10?? 190), Nashville Dyer (5?10?? 178), Jacon Avery (5?11?? 180) & Shannon Davis (6?0?? 190) return but will be pressed hard by veterans Andre Ashley, Scott Booker, Vashawn Patrick, Keith Roberts and Gary Magee (5?11?? 185). Magee had a super spring and may be a starter at one of the cornerback positions. Magee had a key interception late in the Miami game to preserve a win over the RedHawks. DT Roy Attieh (6?1?? 310) has been a mainstay on the defensive line for Kent State. DE should been a team strength on KSU with Shawn Armstead (6?4?? 230), Nate Wesley (6?3?? 280), Pierre Wilson (6?3?? 275 with 4.6/40 speed) & John Nurczyk (6?4?? 245). Finally, the defensive line could receive a huge boost if Antonio Gates joins the team in August. At 6?5?? 260, this 1st team All?MAC basketball forward led the Golden Flashes to ?round of eight? in the NCAA tournament this past March and stated he would play football this fall. Gates came out of high school in the late 1990s and played one year of football at Michigan State.
Defensive Concerns
There are several glaring concerns facing Kent State this fall despite bringing back eight starters. The Golden Flashes graduated two of the best LBs since Jack Lambert in the early 1970s. James Harrison and Rashan Hall will be very difficult to replace, along with a good DE in Mark Strickland. After being heavy on LBs in 2001, Kent State used a 3-4 defense to utilize these talented players, but with their graduation, Kent will return to a traditional 4-3 defense. Kent game up 191-yards per game the ground, so DTs Tom Crock (6?3?? 275), Alan Williams (6?2?? 260) and Daryl Evans (6?2?? 255) will need to plug the middle of the defensive line better, but obviously lack I-A size. LBs Anthony Henriquez (5?11?? 225), Marcus Robinson (6?1?? 240), Josh Chilcote (6?2?? 235), Justin Gatten (6?2?? 220) and Eric Mahl (6?1?? 238) have some big shoes to fill. Mahl had a tremendous spring and looks to take over as the starting MLB. The Flashes forced just 8 fumbles last year and placed 9th in sacks, both of which must improve.
Special Teams
Kent State lost PK Dave Pavich to graduation, but Redshirt frosh Travis Mayle looks to prove good his high school hype. As a prep, Mayle made 29 FGs, seven from beyond 50-yards. Jared Fritz returns for punting duties but averaged just 38-yards per kick. Kent State ranked in the middle of the MAC for both punt returns and kickoff returns and was penalized an average of 57-yards per game. Improvements in all three areas would be appreciated by the Kent faithful
Schedule
With the exception of the Ohio State game, the Golden Flashes OOC schedule is a joke. Kent hosts I-AA teams New Hampshire & Cal Poly, while traveling to the Buckeyes and U-Conn. Crossover games are difficult as Kent hosts BG and travels to NIU. Within the East, KSU hosts Marshall, Ohio & Akron while traveling to Miami & UCF.
Omar?s View = 6-6; wins against New Hampshire, Cal Poly, Ohio U., @Buffalo, @U-Conn & Akron; losses @Ohio State, @Miami, @NIU, Marshall, BG & @UCF.
Overview
It?s an interesting time on the Kent State campus right now. The student body and alumni are still buzzing over the success of the basketball team and Kent?s football team posted their first winning season last fall since 1987. Now, Pees & Company need to get some attendance back at Dix Stadium since Kent has been averaging a paltry 8,000 fans per game the past few years. The team is getting better and Cribbs is more than worth the price of admission. Few are noticing the quality job this coaching staff is doing in rebuilding from scratch a competitive football team. Certainly there will be interest in the Ohio State contest, as the entire state will be watching. With 49 letter winners and 15 returning starters, expectations are changing and Kent State is now looking at trying to compete for a championship. With a pathetic OOC schedule, Kent will get some easy wins. The trouble is that the crossover games are very difficult and Kent may lose both. That doesn?t bode well this year as all MAC games now count in the standings. Kent gets a break by hosting Marshall for the second year in a row, but traveling to UCF and Miami will most likely knock the Golden Flashes out of any title contention. Still, this is a much improved ball club with a few tremendously talented individuals.
BOLD PREDICTION Kent State will beat Akron this year after losing a heartbreaking 14-10 game at the Rubber Bowl in 2001.
Pivotal Game:
Ohio State (9/7/02): No the Flashes will not win this game, but yes they do have a chance at being competitive. The Buckeyes are not expected to have much of an offense and Jim Tressel coached Youngstown State for years before coming to Columbus, so expect him to be kind to Kent State. Considering Kent State has been having trouble recruiting the hotbed of NE Ohio the past decade or so, a positive performance in this game should help reignite recruiting in that area and get a few more fans to show up for the Marshall game on 10/5/02.
QB Joshua Cribbs IS the offense. Cribbs (6?1?? 195) became the first player in NCAA history to pass and run for over 1,000 yards (in each category) in a season. He did this after becoming the started in game three of the 2001 season. Cribbs accounted for 15 TDs and led the Golden Flashes to increase their points per game from 11 in 2000 to 22 in 2001. A true ?gamer,? Cribbs is unpredictable as a shifty runner and improving passer. Kent State is even considering using a modern rollout offense with some mild option capabilities to fully take advantage of Cribb?s skills. RB David Alston (5?10?? 190) may make some preseason all-conference teams after earning 2nd team All-MAC honors last fall. Alston was 9th in the MAC in rushing yards last year. Antonio King (6?0?? 205) & Eddie Beccles (5?8?? 175) give Kent State some decent depth at tailback. KSU ranked 14th in the nation with 216 yards rushing per game. Kent State returns three of five starters from the line that powered that rushing output. Steve Smith (6?4?? 265), Joel Reikowski (6?5?? 275), and Kevin Jamieson (6?3?? 306) all return. Kent does have some depth in the trenches with Chad Bandiera (6?3?? 270), Jason Andrews (6?5?? 280), Shaun Stewart (6?6?? 285), Daniel Carter (6?3?? 310) & Joshua VerHoeve (6?4?? 275).
Offensive Concerns
Let?s face it, other than Cribbs and Alston, there is not much offense. If Cribbs goes down, there is very little depth and absolutely no experience behind him. In the off season, three QB prospects left this program knowing they could not beat out Cribbs for the starting role. Right now, Redshirt freshmen Darryl Polk, Brent Marsteller along with true freshman Antwan Smith are listed behind Joshua Cribbs. Also, the receiving unit on this team is not nearly as talented as the top-level teams in the MAC. Kent State ranked 12th of 13 teams last year in passing offense. Players not getting open, dropping balls and not making yards after the catch were all problems. Joshua Bostick (6?2?? 200), Darrell Dowery (6?0?? 165), Ray Kemp (5?9?? 170), Maurio Medley (6?6?? 205), Daryl Moore5?11?? 180), DeMarkus Robinson (5?10?? 185), Derrick Bush (6?1?? 195)& Najah Pruden (6?3?? 175) need to provide some offensive spark and take some heat off of Cribbs and Alston. Kent does have some talent at FB and TE, but rarely utilize these players in their offense. Charles Newton (6?0?? 245), James Ruggiero (6?1?? 242), Brycen Ebre (6?3?? 265) & Neil Buckosh (6?3?? 235) need to get more involved. Graduation losses by two good offensive linemen, Brian Hallett & Victor Vrabel, along with Kent?s best WR Jurron Kelly, will be hard to replace.
Defensive Strengths
The Golden Flashes have steadily improved on defense under Dean Pees, a longtime defensive coordinator, and return eight starters from a unit that ranked 5th in the MAC in scoring defense. All four DB starters return after ranking 6th in the MAC in pass defense and intercepting 15 passes. Justin Baugham (5?10?? 190), Nashville Dyer (5?10?? 178), Jacon Avery (5?11?? 180) & Shannon Davis (6?0?? 190) return but will be pressed hard by veterans Andre Ashley, Scott Booker, Vashawn Patrick, Keith Roberts and Gary Magee (5?11?? 185). Magee had a super spring and may be a starter at one of the cornerback positions. Magee had a key interception late in the Miami game to preserve a win over the RedHawks. DT Roy Attieh (6?1?? 310) has been a mainstay on the defensive line for Kent State. DE should been a team strength on KSU with Shawn Armstead (6?4?? 230), Nate Wesley (6?3?? 280), Pierre Wilson (6?3?? 275 with 4.6/40 speed) & John Nurczyk (6?4?? 245). Finally, the defensive line could receive a huge boost if Antonio Gates joins the team in August. At 6?5?? 260, this 1st team All?MAC basketball forward led the Golden Flashes to ?round of eight? in the NCAA tournament this past March and stated he would play football this fall. Gates came out of high school in the late 1990s and played one year of football at Michigan State.
Defensive Concerns
There are several glaring concerns facing Kent State this fall despite bringing back eight starters. The Golden Flashes graduated two of the best LBs since Jack Lambert in the early 1970s. James Harrison and Rashan Hall will be very difficult to replace, along with a good DE in Mark Strickland. After being heavy on LBs in 2001, Kent State used a 3-4 defense to utilize these talented players, but with their graduation, Kent will return to a traditional 4-3 defense. Kent game up 191-yards per game the ground, so DTs Tom Crock (6?3?? 275), Alan Williams (6?2?? 260) and Daryl Evans (6?2?? 255) will need to plug the middle of the defensive line better, but obviously lack I-A size. LBs Anthony Henriquez (5?11?? 225), Marcus Robinson (6?1?? 240), Josh Chilcote (6?2?? 235), Justin Gatten (6?2?? 220) and Eric Mahl (6?1?? 238) have some big shoes to fill. Mahl had a tremendous spring and looks to take over as the starting MLB. The Flashes forced just 8 fumbles last year and placed 9th in sacks, both of which must improve.
Special Teams
Kent State lost PK Dave Pavich to graduation, but Redshirt frosh Travis Mayle looks to prove good his high school hype. As a prep, Mayle made 29 FGs, seven from beyond 50-yards. Jared Fritz returns for punting duties but averaged just 38-yards per kick. Kent State ranked in the middle of the MAC for both punt returns and kickoff returns and was penalized an average of 57-yards per game. Improvements in all three areas would be appreciated by the Kent faithful
Schedule
With the exception of the Ohio State game, the Golden Flashes OOC schedule is a joke. Kent hosts I-AA teams New Hampshire & Cal Poly, while traveling to the Buckeyes and U-Conn. Crossover games are difficult as Kent hosts BG and travels to NIU. Within the East, KSU hosts Marshall, Ohio & Akron while traveling to Miami & UCF.
Omar?s View = 6-6; wins against New Hampshire, Cal Poly, Ohio U., @Buffalo, @U-Conn & Akron; losses @Ohio State, @Miami, @NIU, Marshall, BG & @UCF.
Overview
It?s an interesting time on the Kent State campus right now. The student body and alumni are still buzzing over the success of the basketball team and Kent?s football team posted their first winning season last fall since 1987. Now, Pees & Company need to get some attendance back at Dix Stadium since Kent has been averaging a paltry 8,000 fans per game the past few years. The team is getting better and Cribbs is more than worth the price of admission. Few are noticing the quality job this coaching staff is doing in rebuilding from scratch a competitive football team. Certainly there will be interest in the Ohio State contest, as the entire state will be watching. With 49 letter winners and 15 returning starters, expectations are changing and Kent State is now looking at trying to compete for a championship. With a pathetic OOC schedule, Kent will get some easy wins. The trouble is that the crossover games are very difficult and Kent may lose both. That doesn?t bode well this year as all MAC games now count in the standings. Kent gets a break by hosting Marshall for the second year in a row, but traveling to UCF and Miami will most likely knock the Golden Flashes out of any title contention. Still, this is a much improved ball club with a few tremendously talented individuals.
BOLD PREDICTION Kent State will beat Akron this year after losing a heartbreaking 14-10 game at the Rubber Bowl in 2001.
Pivotal Game:
Ohio State (9/7/02): No the Flashes will not win this game, but yes they do have a chance at being competitive. The Buckeyes are not expected to have much of an offense and Jim Tressel coached Youngstown State for years before coming to Columbus, so expect him to be kind to Kent State. Considering Kent State has been having trouble recruiting the hotbed of NE Ohio the past decade or so, a positive performance in this game should help reignite recruiting in that area and get a few more fans to show up for the Marshall game on 10/5/02.
