Maize's Golden Flashes: A Kent State Dynasty

[packersfan4eva]

Not a great class, but it gets the job done. Nice job dude.

[Maize]

Not a great class, but it gets the job done. Nice job dude.

Yeah I agree it wasn't a great class. I'm not sure if there are any real "stars" from this class. Maybe some quality starters, but nobody that will help me win right away. Besides maybe Chris Finley.

[Maize]

Spring Sparks "New Start" in Kent
A new Head Coach, seven new coaches (including two new Coordinators), a different playbook, change of scheme, and a new attitude is taking over the Kent State football program. Replacing seven year Head Coach Doug Martin will be a difficult process, but the new coaching staff is ready for the job.

As Spring Practices start, the team has already started to make changes to the 77 man roster. They knew they had to replace 9 graduating starters. Which would be a difficult for a young team that is made up mostly of Sophomores and Freshman.

Heading into the team's spring game, there were still questions about starters, and the team's biggest position battle - at Quarterback. Three players are competing in the 'open competition' and a starter has still not been named. While returning starter Spencer Keith seems to be the favorite, he is being pushed by Senior Giorgio Morgan and newcomer Sophomore Chris Finley.

Keith has the big arm, but is also having trouble running the new offense. Morgan has the legs and athletic ability, but also has trouble with mistakes (turnovers and penalties). Finley has the intangibles and accuracy, but lacks the footwork and big arm of the other two.

Right now Head Coach Gonzales is leaning on Quarterbacks Coach Daren Wilkinson and Offensive Coordinator Tony Alford to weigh in on the Quarterback controversy. The position is important to an offense that will mirror Florida, but will also pass more often than not.

While the Quarterback battle wages, multiple players have changed positions looking for a chance to start or play.

On defense, Byron Tyson moved from outside linebacker to the middle linebacker spot, and he looks to be the clear favorite to start. Leon Green, a safety behind on the depth chart, talked to Defensive Line Coach Chris Hauser, and found a way to move to end. A bit undersized, he has the speed and pass-rush technique, but still isn't a strong tackler.

Another notable move was true freshman athlete Jim Gray also moving to linebacker. While he may be redshirted, he has seemed to pick up the position quickly. Moving to defense was a theme, and receiver Ed Casenave, buried on the depth chart, switched to corner a position he had never played. While it might take time, he is already impressing the coaching staff.

Getting the roster from 77 to 70 was another big problem facing the coaching staff. As they continue to tweak the depth chart, seven players would not make the depth chart for the Spring Game. Quarterback Sal Battles, receivers Lynn Townsend and Austin Miller were on the bottom of an already filled depth chart. Same for guards Tom Pizzuro and Tyler Arend and corners Sam Miller and Sidney Saulter.

[Maize]

Wow...Really impressed with your write-ups. Great job. And good luck in the upcoming season.

Thanks a lot, it will be a tough season. I'm also glad you like the writing, I try to put some time into it. I will post the season preview tonight and the first game by the weekend.

[Maize]

2011 Kent State Football Preview
Last season could be considered a great disappointment for the Kent State football program. What looked to be a great chance at a bowl appearance, turned into a losing season. With a 4-4 record, the team would lose their final four games. The end of the season led the Athletic Department to not resign Head Coach Doug Martin.

Moving in a new direction, they brought in a new, young Head Coach. Billy Gonzales will get his first chance as a Head Coach, looking to turn around the struggling Golden Flashes. Bringing in an entirely new staff and scheme, he is not expecting quick results. Instead, he wants to "build it right" and pick up where Doug Martin left off.

A tough schedule, eight new starters, a Quarterback controversy, and an uninterested and non-motivated fan base - 2011 could prove to be a difficult season. Although, nine returning starters on offense, an aggressive new style in a league with constant turnover and parody; Kent State could surprise.

Offense
Returning Starters: 9
The Scheme: Billy Gonzales and his staff are implementing a new playbook. Modeled after Urban Meyer's in Florida, it will be a spread offense, that is designed for the run. Although Gonzales and Offensive Coordinator Tony Alford plan on passing a majority of the time. Making for a balanced, high-tempo offense. Just like in Bowling Green, Utah, and Florida (Gonzales' stops under Meyer), the play of the Quarterback and offensive line will be key.
Star Power: The team lost a real star when Eugene Jarvis finally graduated, after six years. Granted a sixth year of eligibility on a medical exemption, the team believes they have a star in Jacquise Terry. Terry replaced Jarvis in '09 and found success, and has quickly learned the offense. A shifty runner, he will have to reduce his mistakes and fumbles, but has the ability to be a breakout star for the Flash. While Terry is a rising star, they think Tyshon Goode might already be a star. A junior, Gonzales and Eugene Baker thinks he is growing into a NFL prospect. But he will need two good years of production to do so.
Impact Newcomers: With nine returning starters, there will only be two new starters. One of which (Terry) has been a starter in the past. The other, Senior tight end Justin Thompson, could lose playing time in a depthy position. But as for newcomers to the roster, Will Jones could push for playing time. A true freshman, he has already jumped three players to be the team's fourth receiver.
Keep An Eye On: The Quarterback situation. The old adage "if you have three Quarterbacks, you don't have one," does not apply to Kent State. The team believes they have three quality options that could all win. Spencer Keith is the incumbent coming off of a 'Sophomore slump.' Chris Finley is a Sophomore who comes from South Florida Community College. Giorgio Morgan seems to fit the offense and could get the nod in his final season. The starter hasn't been named, and don't be surprised if you see each of them under center in '11.
Strongest Area: Is "far and away" the offensive line. Assistant Head Coach Greg Studrawa followed Gonzales from LSU to Kent and was shocked by the amount of talent at offensive line. They return all five starters, and all key back-ups. Kent Cleveland did not allow a sack as the team's blindside protector. The interior of the line is not as strong as their bookends (Cleveland and Brian Winter), but it could be a different story is Chris Anzevino stays healthy. They are poised to be one of the best lines in the MAC.
Biggest Problem: The backfield. While the coaching staff hashes out the Quarterback situation, they also lack quality depth at running back. Not good for an offense that uses multiple backs and could rely on a running game to make big plays. Also the team's best passer is their worst rusher (Finley); so Coach Gonzales will have to decide if he wants an Omar Jacobs (Morgan), an Alex Smith (Finley), or a Chris Leak (Keith) type of passer.
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Defense
Returning Starters: 5
The Scheme: New Defensive Coordinator D.J. Durkin comes from Florida and will install a 4-3 base scheme. The team does like to use a nickel corner, and will often use multiple schemes to match opposing offenses. Matching the offensive tempo, the team will use blitz packages and will try to force turnovers. A problem for Kent State last season.
Star Power: The star of the defense is also the star of the Special Teams, team captain Josh Pleasant. The team's kick and punt returner, he will try to improve off of a disappointing season in 2010. He is the leader of a Senior-laden defensive backfield, and will again start alongside Chris Gilbert. The team also expects Will Johnson, the team's returning tackle leader to again lead them in tackles. Starting next to two new linebackers, Luke Batton and Byron Tyson in the middle, he will need to be a star player.
Impact Newcomers: On the defensive line, the team has to replace two starters. A newcomer to the defensive line is a former safety, Leon Green. Now the starter, he is a pass-rusher who was quick to learn the position. A bit undersized, he plans on leading the team in sacks, replacing the production of Monte Simmons and Zach Williams. Behind him on the depth chart is another newcomer, Brett Hardy. An end that is more of a run-stopper, that could see PT in '11 (especially on third downs).
Keep An Eye On: Ishmaa'ily Kitchen, the big tackle who missed most of 2010. The staff has raved about his preparation for the season, and many expect the fifth year senior to become a force.
Strongest Area: Even losing two starters (Quinton Rainey and Monte Simmons) and a solid roleplayer (Zach Williams), the defensive line is the team's strength. Mainly because of the questions marks on the rest of the defense. Lee Stalker plans on an improved season, and plans to free up Green for a big year. Inside, Terrell Johnson starts, as he did when Kitchen went out with an injury. He will have to hold off Robert Kearney and freshman Patrick Wells, so the unit definitely has depth on the interior.
Biggest Problem: The secondary. Bringing back Scott Booker to coach the defense, the team wants to return to the days of Usama Young and Jack Williams. Two new safeties, Zack Gonosz and Fabrice Pratt compliment each other, but don't bode well for the team's pass defense. A sore spot last season, doesn't look like it will see much improvement losing two quality safeties.
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Report Card: Offense - D+ // Defense - D // Special Teams - C
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Schedule: Another easy home opener should get Billy Gonzales his first win as Head Coach (vs. South Alabama). The Jags play their first games against Division I opponents this season and open in Kent. After that, the schedule gets rough with three potential bowl teams; hosting Kansas State and on the road to Purdue and MAC-East favorite Ohio. Then Conference play hits into action before an interesting close to Kent's season. Their final home game will be the team's tenth game, against Buffalo. Then they head to Oklahoma State, before ending against rival Akron. A tough schedule, the team will have to take their lumps early (Purdue, Kansas State) and hopefully find ways to beat teams they couldn't in 2010 (Miami, Bowling Green).

[Maize]

2011 Kent State Football Roster
17 Seniors, 16 Juniors, 9 Sophomores, 28 Freshmen/70 Total
16 Returning Starters: 9 on Offense, 5 on Defense, 2 on Special Teams

19 Chris Finley, QB - 6'3" 177 - SO. - 72 OVR
3 Spencer Keith, QB - 6'3" 215 - JR. - 72 OVR*
14 Giorgio Morgan, QB - 6'4" 207 - SR. (RS) - 70 OVR
12 Cedric McCloud, QB - 6'2" 218 - FR. (RS) - 53 OVR
4 Ryan Davis, QB - 6'3" 247 - FR. - 45 OVR :redshirt:
-
22 Jacquise Terry, RB - 6'0" 183 - SR. - 72 OVR :capt:
27 Dri Archer, RB - 5'7" 162 - SO. (RS) - 61 OVR
48 Jabari Davis, RB - 5'11" 183 - FR. - 55 OVR :redshirt:
26 Robert Holloman, RB - 5'9" 173 - SR. (RS) - 47 OVR
37 Dominique Thomas, FB - 6'1" 192 - FR. - 40 OVR
-
5 Tyshon Goode, WR - 6'1" 182 - JR. - 76 OVR*
15 Kendrick Pressley, WR - 5'11" 187 - SR. - 73 OVR*
18 Sam Kirkland, WR - 6'1" 191 - JR. (RS) - 70 OVR
8 Matthew Hurdle, WR - 6'3" 185 - JR. (RS) - 66 OVR
82 Chris Gordon, WR - 5'10" 170 - JR. (RS) - 65 OVR
87 Will Jones, WR - 6'1" 192 - FR. - 60 OVR
86 Lee Dotson, WR - 5'10" 196 - FR. - 47 OVR :redshirt:
84 Kordell Butler, WR - 6'5" 192 - FR. - 45 OVR
-
81 Justin Thompson, TE - 6'1" 220 - SR. - 64 OVR
83 Markus Burton, TE - 6'2" 215 - SR. (RS) - 57 OVR
88 Mike Levandowski, TE - 6'5" 230 - FR. (RS) - 50 OVR
89 Dwayne James, TE - 6'7" 222 - FR. - 49 OVR :redshirt:
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65 Kent Cleveland, LT - 6'4" 294 - JR. (RS) - 65 OVR*
68 Brian Waters, LT - 6'5" 270 - JR. - 63 OVR
72 Doug Price, LT - 6'3" 329 - FR. - 58 OVR
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69 Michael Fay, LG - 6'4" 294 - SR. (RS) - 62 OVR*
71 Charles Laster, LG - 6'4" 290 - SR. (RS) - 57 OVR
75 Jay Ryan, LG - 6'3" 280 - FR. - 42 OVR
-
55 Chris Anzevino, C - 6'2" 305 - SR. (RS) - 75 OVR*
61 Joshua Kline, C - 6'3" 304 - JR. (RS) - 68 OVR
-
76 Bryan Wagner, RG - 6'5" 301 - JR. - 69 OVR*
67 Max Plunkett, RG - 6'8" 305 - SO. (RS) - 57 OVR
60 Marcus McCray, RG - 6'2" 285 - FR. - 50 OVR :redshirt:
-
66 Brian Winters, RT - 6'5" 305 - JR. - 71 OVR*
73 Marques Horne, RT - 6'4" 285 - JR. - 64 OVR
64 Seamus Garvey, RT - 6'6" 277 - JR. (RS) - 54 OVR
63 Andrew Stewart, RT - 6'5" 307 - FR. - 42 OVR :redshirt:
--
77 Lee Stalker, LE - 6'2" 252 - SR. (RS) - 72 OVR*
57 Jake Dooley, LE - 6'2" 236 - SO. (RS) - 61 OVR
-
20 Leon Green, RE - 5'11" 206 - JR. (RS) - 71 OVR
99 Brett Hardy, RE - 6'4" 252 - FR. - 42 OVR
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93 Ishmaa'ily Kitchen, DT - 6'3" 304 - SR. (RS) - 67 OVR
95 Terrell Johnson, DT - 6'2" 260 - SO. - 62 OVR*
98 Robert Kearney, DT - 6''4" 290 - FR. (RS) - 61 OVR
94 Patrick Wells, DT - 6'5" 265 - FR. - 51 OVR
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1 Will Johnson, LOLB - 6'0" 209 - SR. (RS) - 71 OVR*
53 Mack Fackler, LOLB - 6'4" 235 - FR. (RS) - 59 OVR
50 Cody Arnold, LOLB - 6'6" 217 - FR. - 47 OVR
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44 Byron Tyson, MLB - 5'10" 213 - SR. (RS) - 67 OVR
52 Brandon Hazzard, MLB - 6'0" 245 - FR. (RS) - 59 OVR
59 Steve Mehrer, MLB - 6'2" 215 - SO. (RS) - 56 OVR
51 Jim Gray, MLB - 6'2" 199 - FR. - 53 OVR
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30 Luke Batton, ROLB - 6'0" 220 - JR. - 53 OVR
58 Danny Gress, ROLB - 6'0" 220 - SO. (RS) - 52 OVR
56 Gaines Michael, ROLB - 5"10" 190 - FR. - 43 OVR
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2 Josh Pleasant, CB - 5'10" 181 - SR. - 69 OVR* :capt:
23 Chris Gilbert, CB - 6'1" 198 - SR. - 63 OVR*
36 Norman Wolfe, CB - 5'8" 163 - SR. - 63 OVR
29 Chis Jackson, CB - 6'3" 162 - FR. - 58 OVR
38 Brian Stanley, CB - 5'11" 164 - FR. - 51 OVR
17 Ed Cazenave, CB - 6'2" 199 - SO. (RS) - 49 OVR
24 Adam Jackson, CB - 6'2" 172 - FR. - 46 OVR :redshirt:
35 Lawrence Humphrey, CB - 5'10" 176 - FR. - 45 OVR :redshirt:
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15 Zack Gonosz, FS - 5'10" 203 - JR. - 71 OVR
34 Calvin Tiggle, FS - 5'11" 190 - FR. (RS) - 67 OVR
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7 Fabrice Pratt, SS - 6'2" 184 - JR. - 64 OVR
40 Luke Wollett, SS - 6'0 183 - FR. (RS) - 60 OVR
21 Tony Matthews, SS - 6'0" 184 - FR. - 42 OVR
--
45 Freddy Cortez, K - 6'0" 200 - JR. - 75 OVR*
46 Matt Rinehart, P - 5'9" 171 - SR. - 74 OVR*
--
Bold - Starter
* - Returning Starter
:capt: - Captain
Blue - Impact Player
:redshirt: - Redshirt
--
Coaching Staff
Head Coach - Billy Gonzales
Assistant Head Coach/Offensive Line - Greg Studrawa (1st Year, LSU)
Offensive Coordinator - Tony Alford (1st Year, Notre Dame)
Defensive Coordinator - D.J. Durkin (1st Year, Florida)
Quarterbacks Coach - Daren Wilkinson (1st Year, Colorado State)
Running Backs/Recruiting Coordinator - Jeff Kastl (1st Year, Ashland)
Receivers Coach - Eugene Baker (3rd Year)
Defensive Line Coach - Chris Hauser (1st Year, Ohio State)
Secondary Coach - Scott Booker (1st Year, Notre Dame)
Special Teams/Linebackers - Jim Fleming (2nd year)

[Maize]

2011 Kent State Football Schedule
Game 1: vs. Southern Alabama
Game 2: vs. Kansas State
Game 3: @ Purdue
Game 4: @ Ohio
Game 5: @ Central Michigan
Game 6: vs. Ball State
Game 7: vs. Miami University (Homecoming)
Game 8: @ Eastern Michigan
Game 9: vs. Bowling Green (Rivalry Game)
Game 10: vs. Buffalo (Senior Night)
Game 11: @ Oklahoma State
Game 12: @ Akron (Rivalry Game)

[Maize]

2011 Media Day

MAC Pre-Season Poll
During the Mid American Conference's Media Day in Detroit, members of the media cast their ballots for the upcoming season. 20 select media members had to decide the standings for the MAC East and West Division. The results of the votes left the Ohio Bobcats and Central Michigan Chippewas as the favorites in their respective divisions.

MAC East Division
1. Ohio
2. Temple
3. Buffalo
4. Akron
5. Kent State
6. Miami Univ.
7. Bowling Green

MAC West Division
1. Central Michigan
2. Northern Illinois
3. Western Michigan
4. Toledo
5. Ball State
6. Eastern Michigan


Each voting member then had to pick their 2010 MAC Championship Game Winner. Ohio is considered the favorite to win the 2010 MAC Championship, receiving 11 of 20 votes. Central Michigan was second and close behind with 8 votes, with Temple and Northern Illinois each receiving one vote.

[Maize]

Pre-Season Outlook

Pre-Season Top 25
1. Alabama (41)
2. Wisconsin (20)
3. Oklahoma
4. Miami
5. Oregon
6. Boise State
7. Texas
8. Ohio State
9. Florida
10. TCU
11. Virginia Tech
12. Iowa
13. Nebraska
14. West Virginia
15. Pittsburgh
16. Washington
17. Florida State
18. Stanford
19. Texas A&M
20. Arkansas
21. Georgia Tech
22. Penn State
23. Texas Tech
24. Michigan State
25. Auburn

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Pre-Season Heisman Watch
1. Kellen Moore, QB, Boise State
2. Bert Reed, WR, Florida State
3. Landry Jones, QB, Oklahoma
4. Dan Herron, RB, Ohio State
5. Matthew Tucker, RB, TCU

[packersfan4eva]

Hmm...this season is not looking great. Hopefully you can get that quarterback situation sorted out before things get ugly.

[Maize]

Hmm...this season is not looking great. Hopefully you can get that quarterback situation sorted out before things get ugly.

I agree, it could get ugly. I should have a win Week 1 against FCS-SE, but then I'm probably 1-3. I like Finley, but having a scrambling Quarterback works well with the offense. I don't know. I will post the first game tomorrow.

[Maize]

Season 2, Game 1

August 27, 2011
Dix Stadium - Kent, OH

vs.
Jags Dropped in Gonzales' Debut, Opener

Game Boxscore
South Alabama (0-1)....0.......3........0.......0.......3
Kent State (1-0)..........7......10......10.......0.....27
Stat of the Game: Total Offense: South Alabama - 293 yards -- Kent State - 457 yards
Player of the Game: Chris Finley, QB - Kent State - 21/44, 274 yards, 3 TD, 14 carries, 69 yards
______________________________________
1st Quarter
KENT: 18 yard pass from C. Finley to J. Terry (XP Good) - 9:51
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2nd Quarter
KENT: 6 yard pass from C. Finley to K. Pressley (XP Good) - 12:00
USA: 37 yard Field Goal - 3:29
KENT: 31 yard Field Goal by F. Cortez - :38
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3rd Quarter
KENT: 7 yard pass from C. Finley to D. Archer (XP Good) - 7:28
KENT: 23 yard Field Goal by F. Cortez - :55
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4th Quarter
- No Scoring -
_______________________
Player Stats
Chris Finley, QB - 21/44, 274 yards, 3 TD, 14 carries, 69 yards
Jacquise Terry, RB - 16 carries, 57 yards, 1 reception, 18 yards, 1 TD
Dri Archer, RB - 12 carries, 42 yards, 4 receptions, 50 yards, 1 TD
Kendrick Pressley, WR - 5 receptions, 85 yards, 1 TD
Tyshon Goode, WR - 5 receptions, 57 yards
Will Jones, WR - 2 receptions, 37 yards
Freddy Cortez, K - 2/4, Long of 31, 3/3 on XP
Luke Batton, OLB - 8 tackles (4 solo), 4 for loss, 1.5 sacks
Lee Stalker, DE - 6 tackles (2 solo), 2 for loss, 1 sack
Josh Pleasant, CB - 6 tackles (4 solo), 1 for loss
Will Johnson, OLB - 5 tackles (3 solo), 2 for loss, .5 sack
_______________________________
Injury Report
- No Injuries -
* - Injury occurred during game
_______________________________

Next Game: vs. Kansas State (1-0)

[Maize]

News Around College Football

Top 25
1. Alabama - 1-0
2. Wisconsin - 1-0
3. Oklahoma - 1-0
4. Miami - 0-0
5. Boise State - 0-0
6. Texas - 1-0
7. Ohio State - 1-0
8. Florida - 1-0
9. TCU - 1-0
10. Iowa - 0-0
11. Nebraska - 0-0
12. West Virginia - 0-0
13. Pittsburgh - 1-0
14. Washington - 1-0
15. Florida State - 1-0
16. Stanford - 1-0
17. Texas A&M - 0-0
18. Oregon - 0-1
19. Arkansas - 1-0
20. Georgia Tech - 0-0
21. Penn State - 1-0
22. Texas Tech - 0-0
23. Michigan State - 1-0
24. Auburn - 0-0
25. Clemson - 0-0

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Heisman Watch
1. Kellen Moore, QB, Boise State
2. Bert Reed, WR, Florida State
3. Landry Jones, QB, Oklahoma
4. Dan Herron, RB, Ohio State
5. Matthew Tucker, RB, TCU

[Fox1994]

QB looks like the least of your worries. Good luck. Great writing.

[Maize]

QB looks like the least of your worries. Good luck. Great writing.

Yeah, I agree, I am pretty happy with Finley. He is a little more elusive than his ratings would indicate (74 SPD). A big worry is the defense, although they played well, I think better teams will show to be a problem. Look for updates in the next few days. Busy with school, but I will post the new few games and stories soon.