YS, how would you like to go ahead and write that one up for me? Doesn't have to be detailed, even some talking points or cliff's notes would be fine. I am just trying to get a handle on what people perceive as Kent State's strengths and weaknesses. I am looking for a good reason (namely a number below 10) to actually take the Eagles so a little compare and contrast could do me some good.
Thanks and good luck.
I like Kent State for a few reasons. 1) I think they will be a good team to back early in the season. Two years ago they were one of the top teams in the MAC for most of the year. They ended up finishing the season at .500 (which no one expected). Actually, I think Steele had them winning the MAC that year, while everyone else had them in the basement.
That was the first time that they had been good in along time. Last year, they were expected to be pretty good team. Obvious by the 3 win season, that did not happen. They were absolutely crushed by injuries last year. Julian Edleman, who I like a lot was often injured. Edleman's passing has improved, and he has always been able to move out of the pocket. They played with a fourth string (think he was WR that they flipped to QB so they did not have to break a RS) for a few games. LY they lost @ Akron by 7, @ NIU by 7, and to Buffalo in OT. They were one of the worse teams in taking care of the ball last year. A lot of that has to do with a third and fourth string QB playing. Any team would be hurt by this, let alone a MAC school that is just trying to build a program.
One of the most overlooked players in college football, Eugene Jarvis is a straight playmaker for Kent State. He had more yards rushing last year than any other returning RB. He catches the ball to, having over 300 yards last year. Most of the receiving core will be back but they were not that successful last year. Was it the QB situation or just talent? I am not to sure about that...Supposedly, from what a buddy tells me, they have some freshman (TJ something??) that is supposed to be pretty good...They will have a good set of TEs this year. Jameson Konz, who played defense last year flips to TE.
"This is a move I wanted to make last season," Martin said. "He is a legitimate NFL prospect at tight end."
They have 3 staters back on a pretty good OL...Steele says they have some pretty good JUCO transfer to...
Also, they finally have someone who could kick FGs...that kid last year had a good year. Most of you know the reason I pointed the kicker out(when they blew 2 covers because of missed EPs a few years back).
On defense they lost Collin Ferral but will still be real good up front...They have a lot of talent and experience...
At LB, they have there top 3 guys back....They lose Konz but gain a transfer from UM...
I am not as sold on their DBs as Steele...They have 6 players back with starting experience...then again there is only one way for this team to go...
Doug Martin, in his short time, has changed the face of this Kent State program. They are advertising now, and becoming part of the community. Yes, i know that does not necessarily win you games BUT it does help chemistry and other intangibles. This is essentially a home game for Kent. It is just 40 minutes away from the Kent State campus.
I think you look at BC and they had about the opposite luck as Kent last year. They won all of those close games. They had "Matty Ice" there to pull a rabbit out of a hat and win the game. They did not have the huge key injuries. They won 7 games by 10 or less points.
The new QB is a 5th year player, but he is not tested....BC loses their 3 top RBs from a year ago...They do get 2 of their top 3 WRs and Crane is a beast of a TE. But flipping what I said about Kent: Are the receivers that good, or did Ryan make them look that good?
Their offensive line lost their best performer and supposedly have been hit by the injury bug in the Spring. Someone else probably has more info on that...Also, Steele credits their good stats last year, to Ryan's quick release. He has them down as losing 5 out of their top 10....
Their defense looks real solid up front but there are many questions in that secondary....
I think that people will undervalue Kent and overvalue BC all year. I think Kent can compete with the best in the MAC and win the MAC East. Everything went wrong for Kent last year. Everything seemed to fall to BC. All in all, I just am more confident with the Flashes. I feel like they are more of a complete and tested team right now. BC has a lot of questions about their back 4 and their offense. Yes, their WR core is good but can the new guy get them the ball? Will Kent really have to respect the running game? This seems to be a game where the team coming off the great season, will disrespect the "lowly" MAC team that only one 3 games the year before. Kent has a chip on their shoulder have feels as if they are a lot better than their record indicates IMO....I think Kent competes in this one and will have a shot to win the game late.
:cheers:
