Maize's Golden Flashes: A Kent State Dynasty

[packersfan4eva]

Really? Because it's happened thrice in the last five years. Ended up with them winning two Fiesta Bowls (over OU and TCU) and losing a Poinsettia Bowl (against TCU).

Yep, but Boise State was already ranked in the top 5 at the start of the season and they haven't gone up.

[Maize]

Yeah Fox, seems history might repeat itself again. I am kind of surprised they are not ranked higher, for the same reasons packersfan mentioned. They are 3rd in the BCS ahead of West Virginia: this season was their best argument for a NCG appearance. A win over 3 Top-25 teams (when they played them), and another good team in Fresno State.

[Maize]

Head Coach Martin "Will Not Return" Next Season
After much speculation regarding Doug Martin as Kent State's Head Coach, a decision was finally announced by the Athletic Department. A letter written by Athletic Director Joel Nielsen announced that the University and Athletic Department would not sign Doug Martin to a new contract. Instead, the AD will be moving the Golden Flashes' football program in a new direction.

Martin has yet to publicly comment on the decision, but after a four hour meeting with Joel Nielsen and Director of Football Operations Casey Wolf; it seemed he was aware of the decision. He would inform his coaching staff, all of which have been fired by the University. Some, including Receivers Coach Eugene Baker, hope to stay on with a new Head Coach.

As for the old Head Coach, he started the season on the "hot seat," as described by numerous media outlets. A disappointing season for Kent State, in what was supposed to be the year they returned to a bowl game. Instead, their bowl drought extends to 38 years.

In the press release regarding the decision, Joel Nielsen cited numerous reasons. The most obvious of which could have been the Coach's record after seven years on the job (28-54). Or more specifically, in conference and against common opponents (including rivals). Martin's teams had only racked up 20 MAC wins in 7 seasons, averaging less than 3 a season. Included in that was a losing record against rivals Akron (2-5) and Bowling Green (1-5).

Martin took over as Head Coach in 2004, replacing Doug Pees. Being promoted from Offensive Coordinator, the team went 5-6 with a large amount of seniors and returning starters. The next year, Martin installed a more pass-heavy version of his pass-oriented spread offense. Similar to Texas Tech's, it was considered a failure and resulted in a 1 win season.

His best year came a year later with a .500 record, but the team would not be invited to a bowl game. Since then, the team has struggled, never finishing higher than 4th in the MAC Conference.

Nielsen's letter wasn't just about the reasons that led to the University's decision to let go of its' Head Coach. Instead, he focused on how difficult the decision was. Based on the successes of the program during Martin's tenure.

Starting with turning around a struggling defense, and making it one of the best in the conference. Except in the team's last year, where it put together a dismal effort. While it wasn't mentioned, it could have been a determining factor.

But Martin was an offensive mind and a strong teacher. Having four years of players drafted into the NFL between 2006 and 2009. And leading the team to a victory over Iowa State in 2007, the program's second win over a BCS Conference opponent in its history (other was '87 vs. Kansas).

Overall, the writing seemed to be on the wall in terms of the coach's future. The football department took over coordination of the team's recruiting efforts and after a devastating loss to a Bowling Green team that was winless at the time; it seemed a bowl birth was Martin's only hope.

Joel Nielsen and the entire Athletic Department would not comment on the team's search for it's next Head Coach. It seems that individual will be outside the program, as the staff has not been retained. Nielsen did end his letter by saying: "The next head football coach at Kent State, the program's 20th in our history, will have the difficult task of replacing a class and well-respected individual, Doug Martin."

[Maize]

Recruiting News and Updates

Kent State
Six In, When Martin is Out
After a devastating loss to end the season, Kent State also let go of its' Head Coach. As the program searches for a new leader and direction, they continue their recruiting efforts. The entire season the recruiting has been coordinated by the front office and executed by the coaching staff and front office. Some of the coaches who have stayed on to help recruit include Linebacker and Special Teams Coach Jim Fleming.

Fleming received good news and a commit from a two-star linebacker Gaines Michael. The Florida native has had an exceptional Senior season, being his team's leader in tackles. He is small but is rangy with a big motor. He needs to work on his tackling technique, as he too often gets caught going for an arm tackle. But the athletic Michael is excited to get a chance to play at Kent State.

Fleming also received a commit over-the-phone from offensive tackle Doug Price. Price was a new target of Kent State, who was quick to offer North Carolina recruit a scholarship. He planned on staying in-state, but was quick to commit to Coach Fleming. A book-end tackle, he has much to work on but could be the team's starting left tackle one day for Kent State.

Another out-of-state player who signed was one of two receivers that was added in the week following the team's last game. Lee Dotson, the receiver and defensive back from Saint Thomas Aquinas High School, had worked on his receiving skills and quickly became a playmaker overnight.

Dotson has been compared to Luneric Muldrow, and could be a quick replacement. A player with good hands and decent speed could be a nice complimentary possession receiver for the Golden Flashes. The other receiver to commit was Kordell Butler, a physical specimen (6'5" 192), who has much to work on to compete at the next level. But Kent State is excited about his willingness to learn and grow, and simply needs to be coached.

Finally the team added two defensive players, defensive end Brett Hardy and strong safety Tony Matthews. The first players from their respective positions to sign with Kent State, they both are being added to a position of need. With two defensive ends graduating, Hardy could step in and see playing time immediately. Same for Matthews, who probably is more ready to start than Hardy. Both had taken visits to Kent, and although just one-star players, could play their way onto the field in 2010.

A successful week in recruiting, taking their total number of commitments to 20. With 5 scholarships remaining, the team might have to wait until they add a new Head Coach and coaching staff to use their final scholarships.


Players Committed In-Season
Chris Finley, QB, Port Charlotte, FL - 6'3" 177 - Nationally Ranked QB: #48 (JUCO SO.)
Marques Horne, OT, Colonial Park, PA - 6'4" 285 - Nationally Ranked OT: #78 (JUCO JR.)
Chris Jackson, CB, Springdale, OH - 6'3" 162 - Nationally Ranked CB: #76
Will Jones, WR, Lima, OH - 6'1" 192 - Nationally Ranked WR: #193
Gaines Michael, OLB, Safety Harbor, FL - 5'10" 190 - Nationally Ranked OLB: #190
Doug Price, OT, Gastonia, NC - 6'3" 329 - Nationally Ranked OT: #115
Jim Gray, ATH, Fort McKinley, OH - 6'2" 199 - Nationally Ranked ATH: #95
Brian Stanley, CB, Vandalia, OH - 5'11" 164 - Nationally Ranked CB: #134
Marcus McCray, OG, Piqua, OH - 6'2" 285 - Nationally Ranked OG: #117
Adam Jackson, CB, Fostoria, OH - 6'2" 172 - Nationally Ranked CB: #161
Ryan Davis, QB, Urbana, OH - 6'3" 247 - Nationally Ranked QB: #130
Dominique Thomas, RB, Butler, PA - 6'1" 192 - Nationally Ranked RB: #136
Andrew Stewart, OT, Elkin, NC - 6'5" 307 - Nationally Ranked OT: #150
Cody Arnold, OLB, Girard, OH - 6'6" 217 - Nationally Ranked OLB: #206
Tony Matthews, SS, Solon, OH - 6'0" 184 - Nationally Ranked SS: #110
Lee Dotson, WR, Croydon, PA - 5'10" 196 - Nationally Ranked WR: #194
Dwayne James, TE, Scott Township, PA - 6'7" 222 - Nationally Ranked TE: #104
Kordell Butler, WR, Kettering, OH - 6'5" 192 - Nationally Ranked WR: #221
Brett Hardy, DE, Westerville, OH - 6'4" 252 - Nationally Ranked DE: #216
Jabari Davis, ATH, Trotwood, OH - 5'11" 183 - Nationally Ranked ATH: #116

[Maize]

News Around College Football

Conference Championships
SEC Championship - #8 Florida (9-4) 0, #1 Alabama (13-0) 23
C-USA Championship - Central Florida (9-4) 20, #25 Houston (10-3) 22
Big XII Championship - #9 Nebraska (10-3) 17, #7 Oklahoma (11-2) 30
MAC Championship - Ohio (10-3) 28, Northern Illinois (10-3) 16
ACC Championship - #12 Miami (10-3) 30, #7 Florida State (11-2) 20

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Top 25
1. Alabama - 13-0*
2. Wisconsin - 12-0*
3. Boise State - 12-0*
4. Oregon - 11-1*
5. Oklahoma - 11-2*
6. TCU - 11-1*
7. Miami - 10-3*
8. Pittsburgh - 10-2
9. West Virginia - 10-1*
10. Florida State - 11-2
11. Ohio State - 10-2
12. Texas - 9-3
13. Iowa - 9-3
14. Washington - 10-2
15. Nebraska - 10-3
16. Virginia Tech - 9-3
17. Texas A&M - 9-3
18. Tennessee - 9-3
19. Florida - 9-4
20. Michigan - 8-4
21. North Carolina - 9-3
22. Michigan State - 9-3
23. Rutgers - 9-3
24. Nevada - 10-2
25. Georgia Tech - 9-3
C-USA - Houston - 10-3*
MAC - Ohio - 10-3*
Sun Belt - Troy - 6-6*
* - Conference Champion
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Players Invited to Heisman Ceremony (Alphabetical Order)
1. John Clay, RB, Wisconsin
2. Andy Dalton, QB, TCU
3. Greg McElroy, QB, Alabama
4. DeMarco Murray, RB, Oklahoma
5. Christian Ponder, QB, Florida State

[packersfan4eva]

Looks like the National Championship will be a great game. Hopefully you find a good coach

[Maize]

Looks like the National Championship will be a great game. Hopefully you find a good coach

Yeah, the Championship game should be good. Wisconsin just squeaked ahead of Boise in the BCS Standings, so we'll see what happens. As for a coach, I'll post a story soon about possible candidates.

[Maize]

Awards and All-Americans

Heisman Trophy Presentation
Winner: John Clay, RB, Wisconsin
Heisman Trophy Vote:
1. John Clay, RB, Wisconsin - 1,426 votes (276 1st Place)
2. Greg McElroy, QB, Alabama - 955 votes (158 1st Place)
3. Andy Dalton, QB, TCU - 873 votes (91 1st Place)
4. Christian Ponder, QB, Florida State - 625 votes (134 1st Place)
5. DeMarco Murray, RB, Oklahoma - 609 votes (96 1st Place)

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College Football Awards
Maxwell Award - Taylor Potts, QB, Texas Tech
Walter Camp Award - John Clay, RB, Wisconsin
Chuck Bednarik Award - LaMarcus Thompson, OLB, Tennessee
Bronco Nagurski Award - Greg Romeus, DE, Pittsburgh
Davey O'Brien Award - Andy Dalton, QB, TCU
Doak Walker Award - John Clay, RB, Wisconsin
Fred Biletnikoff Award - Julio Jones, WR, Alabama
John Mackey Award - Rhett Ellison, TE, USC
Outland Trophy - J.B. Shugarts, OT, Ohio State
Dave Rimington Award - William Vlachos, C, Alabama
Vince Lombardi Award - Justin Houston, DE, Georgia
Dick Butkus Award - LaMarcus Thompson, OLB, Tennessee
Jim Thorpe Award - Neiko Thorpe, CB, Auburn
Lou Gorza Award - Alex Henery, K, Nebraska
Ray Guy Award - Chas Henry, P, Florida
Randy Moss Award - James Rodgers, WR, Oregon State

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1st Team All-Americans
QB - Taylor Potts, Texas Tech
RB - John Clay, Wisconsin
RB - DeMarco Murray, Oklahoma
WR - James Cleveland, Houston
WR - Julio Jones, Alabama
TE - Rhett Ellison, USC
C - William Vlachos, Alabama
OG - Joel Figueroa, Miami
OG - Thomas Claiborne, Boston College
OT - Gabe Cabrimi, Wisconsin
OT - J.B. Shugarts, Ohio State
DE - Greg Romeus, Pittsburgh
DE - Justin Houston, Georgia
DT - John Simon, Ohio State
DT - Jared Crick, Nebraska
OLB - LaMarcus Thompson, Tennessee
MLB - Drew Dudley, Kansas
OLB - Spencer Paysinger, Oregon
CB - B.J. Scott, Alabama
CB - Neiko Thorpe, Auburn
FS - Chris Banjo, SMU
SS - Terrance Parks, Florida State
K - Alex Henery, Nebraska
P - Chas Henry, Florida
RET - Quincy McDuffie, Central Florida

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2nd Team All Americans
QB - Andy Dalton, TCU
RB - Roddy Jones, Georgia Tech
RB - Vai Taua, Nevada
WR - Austin Pettis, Boise State
WR - Bert Reed, Florida State
TE - Beau Reliford, Florida State
C - Beau Warren, Virginia Tech
OG - Mark Asper, Oregon
OG - Julian Vandervelde, Iowa
OT - Cory Brandon, Oklahoma
OT - Adam Keil, Northern Illinois
DE - Kenny Rowe, Oregon
DE - Cameron Heyward, Ohio State
DT - Anel Montanez, Buffalo
DT - Dexter Larimore, Ohio State
OLB - Ross Homan, Ohio State
MLB - Akeem Dent, Georgia
OLB - Travis Lewis, Oklahoma
CB - Dominique Battle, Cincinnati
CB - Anthony Anderson, Tennessee
FS - Robert Sands, West Virginia
SS - DeAundre Brown, Tulsa
K - Brendan Gibbons, Michigan
P - Jay Williams, Alabama
RET - Jeff Demps, Florida

[Maize]

Search Begins for New Coach
Following the departure of Head Coach Doug Martin and most of Kent State's football staff, the search began for a new Head Coach. Athletic Director Joel Nielsen made it clear that it would be a difficult process to replace a Head Coach that had served for seven years at the helm. But, the program is looking to win and be competitive in the MAC Conference. So the Athletic Department felt a new direction was necessary.

The Athletic Department, working with NACDA Consulting, has prepared a list of 15 candidates they will be targeting to be the next Head Coach for Kent State. While that list was not made available to the media, or made public in any way, only speculation can be discussed on who is being targeted.

The University wants a smart vetting process, and also wants it completed in a timely manner. It is not certain the direction, or what Kent State is looking for in its' next Head Coach. Most of the names being mentioned are current college Assistant Coaches, NFL assistants and coordinators, former college football Head Coaches, and lower-level Head Coaches (FCS, Division II).

Listed below are six of the presumed candidates that will be vetted and potentially interviewed by the University and it' Athletic Department. Joel Nielsen wants to be active in the search and could play a key role in the hiring of a new Head Coach.

Luke Fickell, Co-Defensive Coordinator at Ohio State: Currently in his ninth year coaching Ohio State's defense, he has spent the last five as Co-Defensive Coordinator. A former player for the Buckeyes, he is an Ohio native who has found great success turning Ohio State's defense into one of the best in the nation, on a consistent basis. While he has allegiance to Ohio State, he did have a brief coaching stint in the MAC Conference (Akron, Defensive Line, '00-'01). Brings an understanding of the area and a strong defensive background. He has the leadership, but may lack the interest or experience.

Paul Chryst, Offensive Coordinator at Wisconsin: Under Chryst's guidance, Wisconsin had an undefeated season and is on its' way to a BCS National Championship game. As offensive coordinator, he has made drastic improvements to Wisconsin's offense. The improvement has translated into wins, the same way it did at Oregon State. A former Quarterback for the Badgers, he understands the passing game, but runs a run-oriented offense. His brother is the former Commissioner of the MAC Conference, Rick Chryst. His name will be mentioned in the off-season as a Head Coach candidate following Wisconsin's success.

Dale Lennon, Head Coach at Southern Illinois: Coach Lennon inheirited a talented SIU program in 2008, one that had made appearances in the FCS Playoffs. He turned them into one of the premier programs in the country, and has garnered honors in doing so. A former two-time AFCA Regional Coach of the Year, he has led the Salukis of Southern Illinois to historic success. An assistant under Jerry Kill, now the Head Coach at Northern Illinois, he could be next to be tapped into the MAC.

Chuck Martin, Secondary/Recruiting Coordinator at Notre Dame: Former Head Coach at Grand Valley State University, Coach Martin made it to South Bend to again work under Head Coach Brian Kelly. While Notre Dame posted a winning season, Martin can be credited for the success of its pass defense. Also, Martin is known as a top recruiter and mentor-coach. He found great success while Head Coach for the Lakers of GVSU, and might get another chance in the near future. That is, if he can give up his post at Notre Dame in favor of another position.

Herb Hand, Offensive Coordinator at Tulsa: A branch of Rich Rodriguez coaching tree, Hand has been with Tulsa for four seasons. In his time, the Tulsa offense has been one of the most prolific in the country. Running a spread he learned from Rodriguez, he was on the staff at West Virginia and served as Offensive Line/Tight Ends Coach, while also handling recruiting duties. Hand also has a background as a Defensive Coordinator, and is an intense leader that has helped Tulsa have the nation's #1 ranked offense in '07 and '08.

Danny Rocco, Head Coach at Liberty: In just six years, Coach Rocco has turned Liberty into a successful team at the FCS level. A playoff team this season, they have been ranked in the Top 20 consistently throughout the year. When he took over in 2005, the team was 1-10 and he quickly changed the strength and support for Liberty's program. Praised for their strong defense and aggressive play, Rocco has been targeted to potentially be a FBS Head Coach. An alum of Wake Forest, he brings 25 years of coaching experience.

[packersfan4eva]

Your writing is excellent, keep it up. I think Rocco should be your head coach

[Apocalypse]

Your writing is excellent, keep it up. I think Rocco should be your head coach

I'd second this ^. :D

[Maize]

Thanks guys, I know it might look a little boring, but I like focusing on the writing and story lines. So hopefully what I lack in graphics, I make up for in substance.

Bowl game results will be posted soon.

[Maize]

News Around College Football

2010-2011 Bowl Results
New Mexico Bowl - San Diego State (6-7) 13, Fresno State (9-4) 34
St. Petersburg Bowl - East Carolina (6-7) 13, LSU (8-5) 20
New Orleans Bowl - UCLA (6-7) 10, Troy (7-6) 38
Las Vegas Bowl - Oregon State (7-6) 17, Utah (10-3) 38
Poinsettia Bowl - Central Michigan (8-5) 31, Colorado State (7-6) 14
Hawaii Bowl - UTEP (9-4) 14, Missouri (7-6) 34
Pizza Bowl - Indiana (7-6) 10, Ohio (11-3) 30
Car Care Bowl - #20 North Carolina (9-4) 9, Oklahoma State (7-6) 13
Emerald Bowl - #24 Nevada (11-2) 41, Arizona (6-7) 16
Music City Bowl - Auburn (8-5) 31, Clemson (7-6) 24
Independence Bowl - BYU (8-5) 20, Mississippi State (6-7) 13
EagleBank Bowl - Buffalo (7-6) 7, Navy (9-4) 31
Champs Sports Bowl - Notre Dame (6-7) 24, Georgia Tech (10-3) 31
Humanitarian Bowl - Tulsa (8-5) 27, SMU (9-4) 30
Holiday Bowl - #18 Texas A&M (10-3) 26, USC (8-5) 23 (OT)
Sun Bowl - Stanford (9-4) 42, Boston College (8-5) 31
Armed Forces Bowl - Central Florida (10-4) 24, Air Force (7-6) 9
Liberty Bowl - Ole Miss (8-5) 31, Houston (10-4) 24
Texas Bowl - Penn State (8-5) 17, Colorado (7-6) 10
Insight Bowl - #12 Texas (10-3) 21, #22 Michigan State (9-4) 7
Chick-Fil-A Bowl - #17 Tennessee (9-4) 7, #16 Virginia Tech (10-3) 31
Outback Bowl - Georgia (8-5) 21, #14 Iowa (10-3) 24
Capitol One Bowl - #19 Florida (10-4) 30, #11 Ohio State (10-3) 24
Gator Bowl - Arkansas (8-5) 21, #21 Michigan (8-5) 7
Rose Bowl - #6 TCU (12-1) 35, #4 Oregon (11-2) 10
Fiesta Bowl - #5 Oklahoma (12-2) 40, #10 West Virginia (10-2) 23
Alamo Bowl - #25 Texas Tech (10-3) 35, #13 Washington (10-3) 28
Orange Bowl - #7 Miami (11-3) 44, #8 Pittsburgh (10-3) 23
Sugar Bowl - #3 Boise State (13-0) 41, #9 Florida State (11-3) 10
GMAC Bowl - Northern Illinois (10-4) 10, #23 Rutgers (10-3) 33
Cotton Bowl - South Carolina (8-5) 27, #15 Nebraska (11-3) 51
Papajohns.com Bowl - Middle Tenn. St. (8-5) 33, UConn (8-5) 41
BCS National Championship - #2 Wisconsin (12-1) 20, #1 Alabama (14-0) 27

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Final Top 25
1. Alabama (35) - 14-0
2. Boise State (26) - 13-0
3. Oklahoma - 12-2
4. TCU - 12-1
5. Wisconsin - 12-1
6. Miami - 11-3
7. Oregon - 11-2
8. Texas - 10-3
9. West Virginia - 10-2
10. Iowa - 10-3
11. Pittsburgh - 10-3
12. Nebraska - 11-3
13. Virginia Tech - 10-3
14. Florida State - 11-3
15. Florida - 10-4
16. Texas A&M - 10-3
17. Ohio State - 10-3
18. Washington - 10-3
19. Rutgers - 10-3
20. Nevada - 11-2
21. Texas Tech - 10-3
22. Georgia Tech - 10-3
23. Utah - 10-3
24. Tennessee - 9-4
25. Stanford - 9-4
() - First Place Votes

[packersfan4eva]

Fuck....Indiana lost a bowl game. At least we made it

[Maize]

Fuck....Indiana lost a bowl game. At least we made it

And not just any bowl game, but the Little Caeser's Pizza! Pizza! Bowl. Don't feel bad, Michigan barely beat Ohio State to finish 8-4. Then they play against Ryan Mallet and score 7 points. Yeah, so they lost. Overall, good year for the Big Ten.