Kent State Golden Flashes 2010 Preview
July 17th, 2010 by Nick Gerogosian
The Golden Flashes lost three games by a total of 12 points that was the difference between their 5-7 season and what could have been a wonderful 8-4 campaign with a bowl bid. Throughout their spring practices, the coaching staff emphasized the importance of finishing games as they have had far too many close losses over the past three seasons (ten losses since 2007 by a touchdown or less). QB Spencer Keith looks to be the real deal and RB Eugene Jarvis was granted an extra year of eligibility due to injuries; he will become the school’s all-time leading rusher this season. Toss in a very active and under-rated defense and a big-time school like Boston College may be surprised on September 11 of what’s coming to town, certainly not the Kent State cream puff of seasons past.
The Team
Spencer Keith is the real deal and as a true freshman last season passed for 2,100 yards and 14 TDs. Those numbers will rise to closer to 3,000 yards and over 20 TDs this fall. The RB position is loaded behind Jarvis, Jacquise Terry, Dri Archer and Andre Flowers. If there is an area of concern on the offense it’s the receiving unit which has under-performed over the past several seasons. Tyshon Goode has a chance to shin this fall along with TE Jon Simpson. The offensive line needs to play more solid as they paved the way for just 114-yards per game rushing last fall, ranking 114th nationally. The KSU defense lost four starters from a unit which allowed a meager 22.4 points and racked up 33 sacks in 2009. The Golden Flashes have a host of talented defensive players returning including DL Quinton Rainey, DT Ishmaa’ily Kitchen, DE Monte Simmons and MLB Cobrani Mixon. Mixon is a Michigan transfer who has serious NFL potential. Free safety Brain Lainhart is an amazing player and CB Josh Pleasant is a budding star. Punter Matt Rinehart was a first team all-conference player a year ago and kicker Freddie Cortez made 13-15 FGs and kicked off for the nation’s best kick coverage unit. The specials teams units at Kent are quite good.
The Verdict
Talent is no longer an issue for Kent State; this team is as talented as any in the MAC right now. It’s all about changing a losing mindset that’s been so deeply rooted within the program for thirty years running. Offensively this team will score more than 19-points per game (2009 output) and the overall defense is on par with the top defensive units in the league (Temple, NIU and Ohio). Now it’s time for this program to take that quantum leap and have their first winning season since 2001 and earn a bowl bid for the first time since 1972. Don’t be surprised if the 6-6 prediction becomes 8-4. The key games to the success of their season will be Oct 9 & 16th, traveling to Miami and then hosting arch-rival Akron.
2010 Schedule & Prediction
Sept 2 Murray State W
Sept 11 at Boston College L
Sept 18 at Penn State L
Oct 2 at Miami (O) W
Oct 9 Akron W
Oct 16 at Toledo L
Oct 23 at BGSU L
Oct 30 Ball State W
Nov 6 Temple L
Nov 13 Army W
Nov 20 at Western Michigan L
Nov 26 Ohio W
6-6 Overall; 4-4 MAC
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