Maize's Golden Flashes: A Kent State Dynasty

[Maize]

1. Couldn't recruit a punter. Lol.

2. Do you really have to leave your roster at 69 players to get a walk-on? I thought it happened no matter what.

1. It was quite funny and pathetic at the same time.

2. And the walk-on punter was on the roster before the cut. So really I went from 71 to 70.

Another article soon.

 

[Maize]

Nielsen (Football) Ratings: AD's Plan in Year Three
New Athletic Director Joel Nielsen is entering his third year as the head of the athletic department in Kent. Replacing Laing Kennedy was a difficult task, but little has changed under Nielsen's direction.

Neilsen has, however, put more of an emphasis on turning around the football program. He built a football program at South Dakota from the ground-up. By the time he had left the University of South Dakota, they had accepted to play in the Great West football conference.

Now, at Kent State, he is in the critical third year of his five year "enhancement plan" for Kent State football. This is the 40th anniversary of Kent's last conference title and bowl appearance. 1972, Kent State was under the direction of Don James, and would end the season with a 7-4 record.

The team would accept a bid to the Tangerine Bowl to play The University of Tampa. Kent would lose the game 21-18, in the team's last bowl appearance. Since the 70's, it has been decades of futility at Kent. The school has endured more winless seasons (3) than winning seasons (2).

In that time, Dix Stadium, the home for Kent State football, has gone through a change. Reducing the stadium capacity to 25,000, trying to improve the likelihood of a sold out home game. Since Dix Stadium opened in 1969, it has never been sold out for a Kent State football game.

The closest it would come would be during Nielsen's first year. The 2010 homecoming game against Akron was originally listed as a sell-out. This was thanks to a promotion to try and sell 90,000 tickets, a number they would barely eclipse. The highlight of that season, Doug Martin's final as Head Coach, was the homecoming game.

Yet, after the off-season audit, the crowd was not a sell-out, although it remains the largest attendance at Dix Stadium since it reduced to 25,000 seats in 2008. Just over 24,000 saw that game, and since, attendance has been a struggle.

As a conference, the MAC struggles with NCAA attendance policies for FBS football programs. The NCAA mandates that at least 15,000 tickets must be sold for every home game for a program to stay unsanctioned and without being "left to further punishment."

The NCAA has never actually punished a school for attendance, because most can come up with 15,000 tickets sold. Some schools struggle and find strategic ways to do so, most notably Eastern Michigan. While some schools have fallen under the 15,000 per- during a season, the NCAA cannot take action until it happens two seasons in a row.

Nielsen wants attendance to never be a problem at Kent. He will be hosting multiple forums this year about Dix Stadium with students, administrators, and alumni. These forums are designed to find ways to make the experience at Dix Stadium more enticing. Although the AD knows, the best way to sell tickets is to put a winning product on the field.

Another transition season for Kent this year, the team only has five home games. Some do not seem to be big draws (Florida Atlantic & Eastern Michigan), but the program will need to find a way to sell 75,000 tickets this year. Last year, attendance did not break 90,000, falling short of that number. The largest home attendance was for the Kansas State game, a crowd of over 19,000.

Nielsen wants every Saturday at Kent to be like it was during Homecoming of 2010. In that game, there was a record number of student tickets sold (5,200), and Nielsen hopes that he can get more students to games, even though it is a tough University to do so.

Kent is a commuter campus, only ten miles from Akron. 9,000 students live on campus, while 17,000 live off-campus, thus it is tough to get students involved. In Neilsen's critical third year of his enhancement plan, his latest job is not to sell the program to alumni, but sell it to students.

1972 was a special season for Kent State football, but having to celebrate 40 years without a bowl appearance or MAC title is another anniversary in itself. With a new focus on football, the pressure will be on Head Coach Billy Gonzales to make the most of his sophomore season.

 

[Maize]

Update on Kent State in real life. I hired Billy Gonzales in mine, Rivals is now listing him as a candidate. West Virginia OC Jeff Mullen and South Florida OC Todd Fitch are considered the favorites. Paul Chryst (WISC OC), Chuck Martin (UND DB), and their current Defensive Coordinator Pete Rekstis are still considered candidates as well. I had an article that discussed Chryst and Martin. It will be interesting to see who ends up getting the job. Any of the current candidates would be good choices, although I think Martin or Gonzales would be the best.

Season Preview tonight.

 

[Maize]

2012 Kent State Football Preview
Last year, Kent State opened with a win against an FCS opponent. After that, the team struggled and lost their next six games. While it was against tough opponents (Kansas State, Purdue, MAC Champ Ohio), a non-winning season seemed inevitable. The team would, however, rally to a 5-7 record. The only other loss being to Big XII Champion Oklahoma State, who ended the year in the top five.

A tough season for new Head Coach Billy Gonzales, he now has the job of replacing eighteen graduating seniors. While the team seemed to gel later in the season, they lost 12 starters. Having to replace quality starters is difficult but the coaching staff feels they are in a better place now than a year ago.

The team will be tested early in 2012, with three road games against quality opponents. The program is celebrating the 40th anniversary of the last time they made a bowl game (1972). Also in that season, Kent State won its' only conference title. It would be a great way to celebrate by breaking the drought, but the team will need to improve from last season. Specifically, a run defense that was once heralded as the best in the nation, must improve on a terrible season in '11. The offense must also establish the ground game, and take advantage of a veteran offensive line, solid receiving core, and a gutsy and accurate Quarterback.

Offense
Returning Starters: 5
The Scheme: Head Coach Billy Gonzales called last year's version of the spread offense, a "transitional" offense. During the offseason, Gonzales, Assistant Head Coach Greg Studrawa, and Offensive Coordinator Tony Alford redesigned the playbook. The offense will now be run primarily from the shotgun. It will use short passing routes, along with motion in the backfield and the option to open up the running game. It is an offense that relies on the strength of its personnel. Similar to what Gonzales coached at Utah, it will pass to set-up the run, being a balanced spread attack.
Star Power: Senior receiver Tyshon Goode. Coming off his most impressive season, Goode is entering his fourth and final year as a starter. Last year, he had over 100 receptions, but only got into the endzone twice. He hopes to improve that number this year, even with more receivers getting involved in the offense. Last year, the team used a lot of two receiver sets, and Goode excelled. This year, he keeps his role as top target, over Matthew Hurdle, a big possession receiver who compliments Goode, looking for another big year.
Impact Newcomers: New to the offense is starting tight end Danny Gress. A converted linebacker, Gress has the ideal speed, hands and blocking technique to be the team's tight end. He will be called on as a receiver more this year, than Justin Thompson was last year. Also, keep an eye on true freshman William McKinney. Listed as the team's fourth receiver, he is a crafty, speedy receiver that could give Kent another weapon.
Keep An Eye On: Chris Finley. The junior college transfer from a year ago started seven games last season. Going 5-2 as a starter, his only losses were to Big XII teams (Kansas State and Oklahoma State). In the loss to the Wildcats, Finley was hurt and missed the chance at a comeback, and also missed the next five games. He feels he has improved as a runner in the offseason and was able to hold off the challenge from former starter Spencer Keith. Now a Senior who fought Finley hard for the starting job in spring. Gonzales said Finley was "always the starter," yet if he falters in '12, an improved Keith could start.
Strongest Area: Offensive Line. Five seniors, three returning starters and the team's best position is at offensive line. Losing center Chris Anzevino and a starting guard, they replace Anzevino with Josh Kline, who has started for Kent in the past, oft for the injury plagued Anzevino. Marques Horne, a JUCO product that came to Kent a year ago, moved from tackle to guard and will no start alongside Kent Cleveland. While Cleveland's impressive streak of games started without allowing a sack was ended last year, he has still only allowed two sacks in two seasons. The BWs side of the line returns, with Bryan Wagner and Brian Winters shoring up the right side of Kent's line for the third straight year. The depth is in question, but includes players with starting experience (Brian Waters) and new faces with big upside (Justin Boone and Kyle Johnson).
Biggest Problem: Running back position. Another year, another new starting running back for the Golden Flash. In 2010, they said goodbye to Eugene Jarvis. Last year, Jacquise Terry caught fire late in the season after a slow start. He leaves behind Dri Archer, a junior who has been inconsistent in his touches in the past. Prone to fumble-itus, Archer is small (5'7"), speedy and shifty, and could explode in an offense tailored for big running plays. He is being pushed by second year freshman Jabari Davis. More of a power runner, he could easily take carries away from the elusive Archer. The positions boasts five freshman and a sophomore, lacking experience and full of question marks.
-
Defense
Returning Starters: 5
The Scheme: 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 was stopping the run, a focus of the coaching staff in the off-season.
Star Power: From safety-to-end, Leon Green. A playmaker that turned in a great first year as a defensive end. The team's leading returner in solo tackles (32), tackles for loss (16), and sacks (6.5). He expects an even better 2012 season. Now starting opposite Jake Dooley, Kent boasts two speedy pass-rushers that could cause nightmares for MAC opposing Quarterbacks.
Impact Newcomers: True freshman Dylan Harrison. Six new starters on the defense, Harrison is the only true freshman listed as a 'starter' for Kent. A big and physical safety, he has shown great poise and good decision making skills. A "Quarterback for the defense," Harrison should make his presence felt in '12.
Keep An Eye On: The linebacking core. Returning only one starter, there are big question marks for the linebackers. Luke Batton is back for his senior season, and is the team's returning leader in total tackles (71). That number must increase, and his mistakes must decrease in his final year. Especially leading a core that has two new starters, Mark Fackler and Brandon Hazzard. Hazzard held off Jim Gray to start at middle linebacker, but Mack moves from special teams star to starter. The unit has only nine players and if they can answer the inexperience question early, they could be a surprise.
Strongest Area: Fresh faced secondary. While the defensive line key, the secondary looks to be the strength. A impact freshman, the Defensive Captain Zack Gonosz, converted safety, now starting corner Fabrice Pratt, and ball hawk Chris Jackson look to be a stellar unit. Replacing three seniors and former starters at corner was difficult, but Pratt's move to corner has shown the unit has size. The plan to play physical and be one of the best at defending the pass in the MAC this season.
Biggest Problem: Depth. The defense has some serious youth, as does the entire roster which includes 32 listed freshman. If they can stay healthy, depth may not be an issue. But injuries to any position could be crippling to a team that took a step back from, statistically, a nationally Top 25 defense, to a sub-par unit.
-
Special Teams
The team lost its' starting punter, an All-MAC 2nd Team selection from a season ago, Matt Rinehart. They also lost their kick and punt returner, Josh Pleasant. Replacing a punter was easy, as they will rely on their versatile placekicker Freddy Cortez. Last year, Cortez connected on 20 field goals (71%), and even made a 50 yarder. Considered one of the best kickers in the conference, in his final season, he will also do punts. The team brought in walk-on David Wilson, but an inconsistent leg also lacked ideal length. Returner seems to be a corral of palyers, with a rotation of Dri Archer, Will Jones, William McKinney, and Fabrice Pratt taking on return duties.
-
Report Card: Offense - C- // Defense - D // Special Teams - C+
-
Schedule: What is being called the "toughest schedule in the MAC," Kent will have a tough road to making a bowl game, or even a run at the MAC East division. The team has seven road games, only five games being played at Dix Stadium. They start the season with an east coast road trip; with their opener against Rutgers, then games with Army and Big Ten favorite Penn State. Playing two potential conference winners (Rutgers and Penn), then they host 'another' in Ohio, their home opener. The end of the season looks easier, with road games against Bowling Green and Buffalo. All before their final game of the season, the Battle for the Wagon Wheel against Akron. If they go into that game with 5 or more wins, Dix Stadium could host its first Kent State sell out. To do so, they can consider critical games with Miami (OH), Ball State, and the rival Eagles of Bowling Green.

 

[Maize]

2012 Kent State Football Roster
14 Seniors, 8 Juniors, 16 Sophomores, 32 Freshman/70 Total
11 Returning Starters: 5 on Offense, 5 on Defense, 1 on Special Teams

19 Chris Finley, QB - 6'3" 177 - JR. - 75 OVR*
3 Spencer Keith, QB - 6'3" 215 - SR. - 72 OVR
12 Cedric McCloud, QB - 6'2" 218 - SO. (RS) - 58 OVR
4 Ryan Davis, QB - 6'3" 247 - FR. (RS) - 49 OVR
16 Ryan Griffin, QB - 6'3" 175 - FR. - 40 OVR :redshirt:
-
27 Dri Archer, RB - 5'7" 162 - JR. (RS) - 65 OVR
48 Jabari Davis, RB - 5'11" 183 - FR. (RS) - 57 OVR
36 Nate Johnson, RB - 6'0" 160 - FR. - 50 OVR
32 Chris Walters, RB - 6'0" 205 - FR. - 46 OVR
42 Jesse Houston, RB - 6'3" 236 - FR. - 40 OVR :redshirt:
44 Michael Fraser, FB - 6'0" 233 - FR. - 42 OVR
37 Dominique Thomas, FB - 6'1" 192 - SO. - 40 OVR
-
5 Tyshon Goode, WR - 6'1" 182 - SR. - 79 OVR* :capt:
8 Matthew Hurdle, WR - 6'3" 185 - SR. (RS) - 69 OVR
87 Will Jones, WR - 6'1" 192 - SO. - 67 OVR
80 William McKinney, WR - 5'11" 165 - FR. - 52 OVR
86 Lee Dotson, WR - 5'10" 196 - FR. (RS) - 52 OVR
84 Kordell Butler, WR - 6'5" 192 - SO. - 49 OVR
-
85 Danny Gress, TE - 6'0" 226 - JR. (RS) - 57 OVR
88 Mike Levandowski, TE - 6'5" 230 - JR. (RS) - 52 OVR
89 Dwayne James, TE - 6'7" 222 - FR. (RS) - 51 OVR
-
65 Kent Cleveland, LT - 6'4" 294 - SR. (RS) - 67 OVR*
68 Brian Waters, LT - 6'5" 270 - SR. - 63 OVR
72 Doug Price, LT - 6'3" 329 - SO. - 61 OVR
-
73 Marques Horne, LG - 6'4" 285 - SR. - 67 OVR
75 Jay Ryan, LG - 6'3" 280 - FR. (RS) - 47 OVR
-
61 Joshua Kline, C - 6'3" 304 - SR. (RS) - 68 OVR
62 Kyle Johnson, C - 6'3" 306 - FR. - 50 OVR
-
76 Bryan Wagner, RG - 6'5" 301 - SR. - 72 OVR*
67 Max Plunkett, RG - 6'8" 305 - JR. (RS) - 59 OVR
60 Marcus McCray, RG - 6'2" 285 - FR. (RS) - 53 OVR
-
66 Brian Winters, RT - 6'5" 305 - SR. - 74 OVR*
70 Justin Boone, RT - 6'5" 290 - FR. - 58 OVR
64 Seamus Garvey, RT - 6'6" 277 - SR. (RS) - 57 OVR
63 Andrew Stewart, RT - 6'5" 307 - FR. (RS) - 46 OVR
--
57 Jake Dooley, LE - 6'2" 236 - JR. (RS) - 64 OVR
92 Terry Brown, LE - 6'5" 262 - FR. - 50 OVR
96 Kendall Wright, LE - 6'6" 245 - FR. - 50 OVR
-
20 Leon Green, RE - 5'11" 206 - SR. (RS) - 74 OVR*
99 Brett Hardy, RE - 6'4" 252 - SO. - 45 OVR
-
95 Terrell Johnson, DT - 6'2" 260 - JR. - 64 OVR*
98 Robert Kearney, DT - 6''4" 290 - SO. (RS) - 63 OVR
94 Patrick Wells, DT - 6'5" 265 - SO. - 57 OVR
93 Andrew Swan, DT - 6'6" 278 - FR. - 44 OVR :redshirt:
97 Chad Robinson, DT - 6'2" 260 - FR. - 41 OVR
-
53 Mark Fackler, LOLB - 6'4" 235 - SO. (RS) - 61 OVR
50 Cody Arnold, LOLB - 6'6" 217 - FR. (RS) - 50 OVR
54 Brandon Merrick, LOLB - 6'2" 227 - FR. - 48 OVR
-
52 Brandon Hazzard, MLB - 6'0" 245 - SO. (RS) - 61 OVR
51 Jim Gray, MLB - 6'2" 204 - FR. (RS) - 59 OVR
59 Steve Mehrer, MLB - 6'2" 215 - JR. (RS) - 57 OVR
-
30 Luke Batton, ROLB - 6'0" 220 - SR. - 55 OVR*
56 Gaines Michael, ROLB - 5"10 190 - FR. (RS) - 46 OVR
55 Adam Crowell, ROLB - 6'3" 200 - FR. - 40 OVR
-
7 Fabrice Pratt, CB - 6'2" 184 - SR. - 64 OVR*
29 Chis Jackson, CB - 6'3" 162 - SO. - 62 OVR
38 Brian Stanley, CB - 5'11" 164 - SO. - 56 OVR
17 Ed Cazenave, CB - 6'2" 199 - SO. (RS) - 51 OVR
22 Cornell Higgins, CB - 6'3" 176 - FR. - 50 OVR
24 Adam Jackson, CB - 6'2" 172 - FR. (RS) - 49 OVR
35 Lawrence Humphrey, CB - 5'10" 176 - FR. (RS) - 49 OVR
31 Andy White, CB - 6'1" 182 - FR. - 45 OVR
-
15 Zack Gonosz, FS - 5'10" 203 - SR. - 73 OVR* :capt:
34 Calvin Tiggle, FS - 5'11" 190 - SO. (RS) - 70 OVR
21 Tony Matthews, FS - 6'0" 184 - FR. (RS) - 46 OVR
-
46 Dylan Harrison, SS - 6'2" 210 - FR. - 62 OVR
40 Luke Wollett, SS - 6'0 183 - SO. (RS) - 62 OVR
28 Kevin Gardner, SS - 6'5" 205 - FR. - 42 OVR
--
45 Freddy Cortez, K - 6'0" 200 - SR. - 77 OVR*
18 David Wilson, P - 6'0" 185 - FR. - 48 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
Offensive Coordinator - Tony Alford
Defensive Coordinator - D.J. Durkin
Quarterbacks Coach - Daren Wilkinson
Running Backs/Recruiting Coordinator - Jeff Kastl
Receivers Coach - Eugene Baker
Defensive Line Coach - Chris Hauser
Secondary Coach - Scott Booker
Special Teams/Linebackers - Jim Fleming

 

[Maize]

2012 Kent State Football Schedule
Game 1: @ Rutgers
Game 2: @ Army
Game 3: @ Penn State
Game 4: vs. Ohio
Game 5: @ Miami University
Game 6: vs. Central Michigan (Homecoming)
Game 7: vs. Florida Atlantic
Game 8: @ Ball State
Game 9: vs. Eastern Michigan
Game 10: @ Bowling Green (Rival)
Game 11: @ Buffalo
Game 12: vs. Akron (Rival)

 

[Maize]

2012 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 Temple Owls and Central Michigan Chippewas as the favorites in their respective divisions.

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

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


Each voting member then had to pick their 2012 MAC Championship Game Winner. Central Michigan is considered the favorite to win the 2012 MAC Championship, receiving 8 of 20 votes. There was a tie for second between Temple, the favorite in the East, and the Toledo Rockets. Both team received 5 votes, with Ohio receiving the remaining two votes.

 

[packersfan4eva]

Dang, only five home games this year. Hopefully you can win some good road games.

 

[Maize]

Dang, only five home games this year. Hopefully you can win some good road games.

Yes it is a really rough schedule, I might not start so hot, but the end of the year is pretty easy. Starting out 0-6 isn't a crazy thought, following it up with 6-0 isn't crazy either. I'll post the Rutgers games tonight.

 

[Maize]

Season 3, Game 1

Season 3, Game 1

August 25, 2012
Rutgers Stadium - Piscataway, NJ

vs.

Knights' 4th Ends Flash Upset in Opener​

Game Boxscore
Kent State (0-1).......3........9......13........3......28
#24 Rutgers (1-0)....0......14........3......22......39
Stat of the Game: Turnovers: Rutgers - 4 -- Kent State - 1
Player of the Game: DeAntwan Williams, RB - Rutgers - 21 carries, 110 yards, 2 TD
______________________________________
1st Quarter
KENT: 36 yard Field Goal by F. Cortez - 7:52
-
2nd Quarter
KENT: 41 yard Field Goal by F. Cortez - 14:47
KENT: 38 yard pass from C. Finley to D. Gress (Conversion failed) - 12:23
RU: 5 yard run by D. Williams (XP Good) - 3:43
RU: 9 yard pass from S. Shimko to M. Harrison (XP Good) - :28
-
3rd Quarter
RU: 19 yard Field Goal by A. Phillips - 6:35
KENT: 2 yard run by C. Finley (XP Good) - 4:06
KENT: 51 yard pass from C. Finley to D. Gress (Conversion failed) - 1:32
-
4th Quarter
RU: 3 yard run by D. Williams (Conversion successful) - 14:41
KENT: 23 yard Field Goal by F. Cortez - 10:14
RU: 2 yard run by S. Shimko (XP Good) - 4:21
RU: 16 yard interception return by M. Thompson (XP Good) - 3:12
_______________________
Player Stats
Steve Shimko, QB - 21/40, 231 yards, 1 TD, 2 INT, 15 carries, 44 yards, 1 TD
Chris Finley, QB - 14/29, 217 yards, 2 TD, 1 INT, 14 carries, 39 yards, 1 TD
DeAntwan Williams, RB - 21 carries, 110 yards, 2 TD, 2 receptions, 21 yards
Jabari Davis, RB - 15 carries, 47 yards
Dri Archer, RB - 8 carries, 36 yards
Mark Harrison, WR - 7 receptions, 87 yards, 1 TD
Danny Gress, TE - 6 receptions, 136 yards, 2 TD
Timothy Wright, WR - 5 receptions, 61 yards
D.C. Jefferson, TE - 5 receptions, 31 yards
Tyshon Goode, WR - 4 receptions, 58 yards
Freddy Cortez, K - 3/3, Long of 41, 1/1 on XP
Andrew Phillips, K - 1/1, Long of 19, 4/4 on XP
Steve Bauharnais, MLB - 5 solo tackles (7 total), 2 for loss, 1 sack
Luke Batton, OLB - 5 solo tackles (6 total), 1 FF
Dylan Harrison, SS - 4 solo tackles (7 total), 1 INT
Brandon Hazzard, MLB - 3 solo tackles (8 total), 3 for loss, 1 sack, 2 FF
Wayne Warren, CB - 2 solo tackles (5 total), 1 for loss
Marcus Thompson, OLB - 2 solo tackles (7 total), 1 INT, 1 TD
_______________________________
Injury Report
- No Injuries -
* - Injury occurred during game
_______________________________

Next Game: @ Army (0-0)

 

[Maize]

<html><head><meta http-equiv="Content-Type" content="text/html; charset=UTF-8" /><link href="http://dynasties.operationsports.com/css/osdyn.css" rel="stylesheet" type="text/css"></head><body><table cellpadding="3" cellspacing="1" class="osdyn" width="575"><tr class="masthead_alt"><td bgcolor="#871016" colspan="6"><span style="color:#FFFFFF">NCAA Football Rankings - AP Top 25 - Updated: Aug 26, 2012</span></td></tr><tr class="stathead"><td width="8%">RK</td><td width="8%">LW</td><td width="56%">TEAM (VOTES)</td><td align="right" width="8%">W</td><td align="right" width="8%">L</td><td align="right" width="12%">POINTS</td></tr><tr class="oddrow"><td>1</td><td>1</td><td>Alabama Crimson Tide</td><td align="right">0</td><td align="right">0</td><td align="right">1500</td></tr><tr class="evenrow"><td>2</td><td>2</td><td>Oklahoma Sooners</td><td align="right">0</td><td align="right">0</td><td align="right">1424</td></tr><tr class="oddrow"><td>3</td><td>3</td><td>Penn State Nittany Lions</td><td align="right">1</td><td align="right">0</td><td align="right">1351</td></tr><tr class="evenrow"><td>4</td><td>4</td><td>LSU Tigers</td><td align="right">1</td><td align="right">0</td><td align="right">1279</td></tr><tr class="oddrow"><td>5</td><td>5</td><td>Ohio State Buckeyes</td><td align="right">0</td><td align="right">0</td><td align="right">1209</td></tr><tr class="evenrow"><td>6</td><td>6</td><td>Oklahoma State Cowboys</td><td align="right">0</td><td align="right">0</td><td align="right">1141</td></tr><tr class="oddrow"><td>7</td><td>7</td><td>Miami Hurricanes</td><td align="right">0</td><td align="right">0</td><td align="right">1075</td></tr><tr class="evenrow"><td>8</td><td>8</td><td>Arkansas Razorbacks</td><td align="right">1</td><td align="right">0</td><td align="right">1030</td></tr><tr class="oddrow"><td>9</td><td>9</td><td>Michigan Wolverines</td><td align="right">0</td><td align="right">0</td><td align="right">948</td></tr><tr class="evenrow"><td>10</td><td>10</td><td>Notre Dame Fighting Irish</td><td align="right">1</td><td align="right">0</td><td align="right">887</td></tr><tr class="oddrow"><td>11</td><td>11</td><td>Clemson Tigers</td><td align="right">0</td><td align="right">0</td><td align="right">829</td></tr><tr class="evenrow"><td>12</td><td>12</td><td>Boise State Broncos </td><td align="right">0</td><td align="right">0</td><td align="right">772</td></tr><tr class="oddrow"><td>13</td><td>13</td><td>Florida State Seminoles</td><td align="right">0</td><td align="right">0</td><td align="right">716</td></tr><tr class="evenrow"><td>14</td><td>14</td><td>TCU Horned Frogs</td><td align="right">0</td><td align="right">0</td><td align="right">663</td></tr><tr class="oddrow"><td>15</td><td>15</td><td>Iowa Hawkeyes</td><td align="right">0</td><td align="right">0</td><td align="right">612</td></tr><tr class="evenrow"><td>16</td><td>16</td><td>Pittsburgh Panthers</td><td align="right">0</td><td align="right">0</td><td align="right">562</td></tr><tr class="oddrow"><td>17</td><td>17</td><td>Missouri Tigers</td><td align="right">0</td><td align="right">0</td><td align="right">514</td></tr><tr class="evenrow"><td>18</td><td>18</td><td>Georgia Tech Yellow Jackets</td><td align="right">0</td><td align="right">0</td><td align="right">468</td></tr><tr class="oddrow"><td>19</td><td>19</td><td>Georgia Bulldogs</td><td align="right">0</td><td align="right">0</td><td align="right">424</td></tr><tr class="evenrow"><td>20</td><td>20</td><td>Florida Gators</td><td align="right">1</td><td align="right">0</td><td align="right">382</td></tr><tr class="oddrow"><td>21</td><td>21</td><td>Wisconsin Badgers</td><td align="right">0</td><td align="right">0</td><td align="right">341</td></tr><tr class="evenrow"><td>22</td><td>22</td><td>Michigan State Spartans</td><td align="right">1</td><td align="right">0</td><td align="right">303</td></tr><tr class="oddrow"><td>23</td><td>23</td><td>Oregon State Beavers</td><td align="right">1</td><td align="right">0</td><td align="right">277</td></tr><tr class="evenrow"><td>24</td><td>24</td><td>Rutgers Scarlet Knights</td><td align="right">1</td><td align="right">0</td><td align="right">241</td></tr><tr class="oddrow"><td>25</td><td>25</td><td>Ole Miss Rebels</td><td align="right">1</td><td align="right">0</td><td align="right">198</td></tr></table></body></html>​

Heisman Trophy Watch:
1. A.J. McCarron, QB, Alabama
2. Josh Nunes, QB, Stanford
3. Jordan Wynn, QB, Utah
4. Terrance Williams, WR, Baylor
5. Denard Robinson, QB, Michigan

 

[Maize]

Recruiting News and Updates​

Kent State
Martin, Ferguson First to Commit
After a disappointing 2012 Recruiting Class, Head Coach Billy Gonzales is trying to give Kent State a jump on this year's class. Continuing to focus on Ohio and Pennsylvania, Recruiting Coordinator Jeff Kastl wants to continue the regional focus on recruiting.

Included in this, is some key east coast recruiting trips. Especially early in the season, while Kent State is playing their first three games on the road and on the east coast. Also, Gonzales will tap into the south, as he did to recruit the team's top prospect last year, offensive tackle Justin Boone.

Already this year, the team has two players committed. Both are defensive players, and one, Kent State believes, could start or play significantly in 2013. Two-star safety J.T. Ferguson comes from local Reynoldsburg High School. A hard hitting safety, he also is an athletic freak and is all over the field. He has led his team in tackles for two seasons, and plans to do so again in his senior year.

Ferguson chose Kent State over Indiana and Buffalo. He committed to Secondary Coach Scott Booker, who visited Ferguson before the team's opening game against Rutgers. Joining Ferguson in committing already is defensive end Craig Martin.

Martin, also an Ohio native, is finally healthy after missing most of his junior year. Going into his junior year, he looked to be one of the best underclassmen defensive players in the state of Ohio. While his skills are unmatched, his toughness, work ethic, and ability to play three downs is in question. Looking to have a big senior season, no matter his play, he will play next year in Kent.

Players Committed In-Season

J.T. Ferguson, FS, Reynoldsburg, OH - 6'0" 184 - Nationally Ranked FS: #63

Craig Martin, DE, Kettering, OH - 6'5" 248 - Nationally Ranked DE: #206

 

[Maize]

Season 3, Game 2

Season 3, Game 2

September 1, 2012
Michie Stadium - West Point, NY

vs.

Kent Stalls, Army Solid in Opening Win​

Game Boxscore
Kent State (0-2)....3.......6.......3.......7......19
Army (1-0)...........7.......7.......7.......7......28
Stat of the Game: Redzone Scoring: Kent State - 4/5 (3 FG) -- Army - 3/4 (3 TD)
Player of the Game: James Washington, RB - Army - 28 carries, 127 yards, 2 TD
______________________________________
1st Quarter
ARMY: 87 yard punt return by M. Wallace (XP Good) - 12:12
KENT: 33 yard Field Goal by F. Cortez - 1:13
-
2nd Quarter
KENT: 20 yard Field Goal by F. Cortez - 5:32
ARMY: 14 yard pass from T. Steelman to D. Collins (XP Good) - 2:31
KENT: 48 yard Field Goal by F. Cortez - :09
-
3rd Quarter
ARMY: 7 yard run by J. Washington (XP Good) - 9:22
KENT: 31 yard Field Goal by F. Cortez - 2:33
-
4th Quarter
ARMY: 2 yard run by J. Washington (XP Good) - 2:07
KENT: 5 yard pass from C. Finley to D. Gress (XP Good) - :15
_______________________
Player Stats
Chris Finley, QB - 19/41, 201 yards, 1 TD
Trent Steelman, QB - 14/25, 171 yards, 1 TD, 1 INT, 12 carries, 42 yards
James Washington, RB - 28 carries, 127 yards, 2 TD, 2 receptions, 27 yards
Jabari Davis, RB - 21 carries, 66 yards
Tyshon Goode, WR - 9 receptions, 97 yards
Danny Gress, TE - 6 receptions, 33 yards, 1 TD
Matthew Hurdle, WR - 4 receptions, 71 yards
Marcus Jackson, WR - 4 receptions, 51 yards
David Collins, TE - 2 receptions, 24 yards, 1 TD
Freddy Cortez, K - 4/4, Long of 48, 1/1 on XP
Michael Williams, K - 0/1, 4/4 on XP
Jacob Hardy, DE - 4 solo tackles (10 total), 5 for loss, 2 sacks
Nate Combs, MLB - 4 solo tackles (9 total)
Michael Cermak, OLB - 3 solo tackles (11 total)
Luke Batton, OLB - 3 solo tackles (5 total)
Dylan Harrison, SS - 3 solo tackles (4 total)
Mike Wallace, CB - 2 solo tackles (4 total), 4 returns, 103 yards, 1 TD
Chris Jackson, CB - 2 solo tackles (3 total), 1 INT
_______________________________
Injury Report
Robert Kearney, DT - Kent State - Abdominal tear - 3 weeks*
Dri Archer, RB - Kent State - Knee Bruise - 2 weeks*
* - Injury occurred during game
_______________________________

Next Game: @ #2 Penn State (2-0)

 

[Maize]

<html><head><meta http-equiv="Content-Type" content="text/html; charset=UTF-8" /><link href="http://dynasties.operationsports.com/css/osdyn.css" rel="stylesheet" type="text/css"></head><body><table cellpadding="3" cellspacing="1" class="osdyn" width="575"><tr class="masthead_alt"><td bgcolor="#871016" colspan="6"><span style="color:#FFFFFF">NCAA Football Rankings - AP Top 25 - Updated: Sep 2, 2012</span></td></tr><tr class="stathead"><td width="8%">RK</td><td width="8%">LW</td><td width="56%">TEAM (VOTES)</td><td align="right" width="8%">W</td><td align="right" width="8%">L</td><td align="right" width="12%">POINTS</td></tr><tr class="oddrow"><td>1</td><td>1</td><td>Alabama Crimson Tide</td><td align="right">1</td><td align="right">0</td><td align="right">1498</td></tr><tr class="evenrow"><td>2</td><td>3</td><td>Penn State Nittany Lions</td><td align="right">2</td><td align="right">0</td><td align="right">1393</td></tr><tr class="oddrow"><td>3</td><td>4</td><td>LSU Tigers</td><td align="right">2</td><td align="right">0</td><td align="right">1341</td></tr><tr class="evenrow"><td>4</td><td>5</td><td>Ohio State Buckeyes</td><td align="right">1</td><td align="right">0</td><td align="right">1305</td></tr><tr class="oddrow"><td>5</td><td>6</td><td>Oklahoma State Cowboys</td><td align="right">1</td><td align="right">0</td><td align="right">1238</td></tr><tr class="evenrow"><td>6</td><td>9</td><td>Michigan Wolverines</td><td align="right">1</td><td align="right">0</td><td align="right">1212</td></tr><tr class="oddrow"><td>7</td><td>7</td><td>Miami Hurricanes</td><td align="right">1</td><td align="right">0</td><td align="right">1202</td></tr><tr class="evenrow"><td>8</td><td>8</td><td>Arkansas Razorbacks</td><td align="right">2</td><td align="right">0</td><td align="right">1135</td></tr><tr class="oddrow"><td>9</td><td>11</td><td>Clemson Tigers</td><td align="right">1</td><td align="right">0</td><td align="right">998</td></tr><tr class="evenrow"><td>10</td><td>12</td><td>Boise State Broncos</td><td align="right">0</td><td align="right">0</td><td align="right">933</td></tr><tr class="oddrow"><td>11</td><td>13</td><td>Florida State Seminoles</td><td align="right">1</td><td align="right">0</td><td align="right">897</td></tr><tr class="evenrow"><td>12</td><td>14</td><td>TCU Horned Frogs</td><td align="right">1</td><td align="right">0</td><td align="right">832</td></tr><tr class="oddrow"><td>13</td><td>10</td><td>Notre Dame Fighting Irish</td><td align="right">1</td><td align="right">1</td><td align="right">714</td></tr><tr class="evenrow"><td>14</td><td>17</td><td>Missouri Tigers</td><td align="right">1</td><td align="right">0</td><td align="right">683</td></tr><tr class="oddrow"><td>15</td><td>18</td><td>Georgia Tech Yellow Jackets</td><td align="right">1</td><td align="right">0</td><td align="right">648</td></tr><tr class="evenrow"><td>16</td><td>20</td><td>Florida Gators</td><td align="right">2</td><td align="right">0</td><td align="right">536</td></tr><tr class="oddrow"><td>17</td><td>21</td><td>Wisconsin Badgers</td><td align="right">0</td><td align="right">0</td><td align="right">487</td></tr><tr class="evenrow"><td>18</td><td>2</td><td>Oklahoma Sooners</td><td align="right">0</td><td align="right">1</td><td align="right">480</td></tr><tr class="oddrow"><td>19</td><td>22</td><td>Michigan State Spartans</td><td align="right">2</td><td align="right">0</td><td align="right">438</td></tr><tr class="evenrow"><td>20</td><td>NR</td><td>Minnesota Golden Gophers</td><td align="right">2</td><td align="right">0</td><td align="right">302</td></tr><tr class="oddrow"><td>21</td><td>25</td><td>Ole Miss Rebels</td><td align="right">2</td><td align="right">0</td><td align="right">293</td></tr><tr class="evenrow"><td>22</td><td>16</td><td>Pittsburgh Panthers</td><td align="right">0</td><td align="right">1</td><td align="right">287</td></tr><tr class="oddrow"><td>23</td><td>NR</td><td>Virginia Tech Hokies</td><td align="right">1</td><td align="right">0</td><td align="right">238</td></tr><tr class="evenrow"><td>24</td><td>NR</td><td>USC Trojans</td><td align="right">0</td><td align="right">0</td><td align="right">198</td></tr><tr class="oddrow"><td>25</td><td>15</td><td>Iowa Hawkeyes</td><td align="right">0</td><td align="right">1</td><td align="right">177</td></tr></table></body></html>​

Heisman Trophy Watch
1. Denard Robinson, QB, Michigan
2. Josh Nunes, QB, Oklahoma
3. Zack Lee, QB, LSU
4. A.J. McCarron, QB, Alabama
5. Jordan Wynn, QB, Utah

 

[Maize]

Season 3, Game 3

Season 3, Game 3

September 8, 2012
Beaver Stadium - University Park, PA

vs.

Defensive Struggle, Nittany Lions Hold On​

Game Boxscore
Kent State (0-3)...........0.......0.......0.......3........3
#2 Penn State (3-0)......7.......6.......7.......0......20
Stat of the Game: Total Offense: Kent State - 251 yards -- Penn State - 412 yards
Player of the Game: Robert Bolden, QB - Penn State - 18/28, 208 yards, 2 TD
______________________________________
1st Quarter
PSU: 3 yard pass from R. Bolden to J. Brown (XP Good) - 1:08
-
2nd Quarter
PSU: 18 yard pass from R. Bolden to M. Wedderburn (Conversion failed) - 10:27
-
3rd Quarter
PSU: 1 yard run by C. Dukes (XP Good) - 11:12
-
4th Quarter
KENT: 19 yard Field Goal by F. Cortez - 3:02
_______________________
Player Stats
Robert Bolden, QB - 18/28, 208 yards, 2 TD
Chris Finley, QB - 18/42, 180 yards, 2 INT
Paul Jones, QB - 6/8, 67 yards
Jabari Davis, RB - 23 carries, 55 yards, 3 receptions, 70 yards
Curtis Dukes, RB - 15 carries, 80 yards, 4 receptions, 34 yards
Tyshon Goode, WR - 10 receptions, 46 yards
Justin Brown, WR - 5 receptions, 64 yards, 1 TD
Marl Wedderburn, TE - 3 receptions, 31 yards, 1 TD
Freddy Cortez, K - 1/2, Long of 19
Jon Nichols, K - 0/1, 2/2 on XP
Leon Green, DE - 5 solo tackles (6 total), 1 FF
Michael Yancich, OLB - 3 solo tackles (11 total),
Sean Stanley, DE - 3 solo tackles (7 total), 3 for loss
Fabrice Pratt, CB - 3 solo tackles (6 total), 2 for loss
Josh Martin, DT - 3 solo tackles (4 total), 2 for loss, .5 sack
Derrick Thomas, CB - 1 solo tackle (4 total), 1 INT
_______________________________
Injury Report
Mike Farrell, OT - Penn State - ACL Sprain - 1 week*
Danny Gress, TE - Kent State - Broken tibia - Season*
Robert Kearney, DT - Kent State - Abdominal tear - 2 weeks
Dri Archer, RB - Kent State - Knee Bruise - 1 week
* - Injury occurred during game
_______________________________

Next Game: vs. Ohio (2-1)

 

[Maize]

<html><head><meta http-equiv="Content-Type" content="text/html; charset=UTF-8" /><link href="http://dynasties.operationsports.com/css/osdyn.css" rel="stylesheet" type="text/css"></head><body><table cellpadding="3" cellspacing="1" class="osdyn" width="575"><tr class="masthead_alt"><td bgcolor="#871016" colspan="6"><span style="color:#FFFFFF">NCAA Football Rankings - AP Top 25 - Updated: Sep 9, 2012</span></td></tr><tr class="stathead"><td width="8%">RK</td><td width="8%">LW</td><td width="56%">TEAM (VOTES)</td><td align="right" width="8%">W</td><td align="right" width="8%">L</td><td align="right" width="12%">POINTS</td></tr><tr class="oddrow"><td>1</td><td>1</td><td>Alabama Crimson Tide</td><td align="right">2</td><td align="right">0</td><td align="right">1502</td></tr><tr class="evenrow"><td>2</td><td>2</td><td>Penn State Nittany Lions</td><td align="right">3</td><td align="right">0</td><td align="right">1433</td></tr><tr class="oddrow"><td>3</td><td>3</td><td>LSU Tigers</td><td align="right">3</td><td align="right">0</td><td align="right">1381</td></tr><tr class="evenrow"><td>4</td><td>4</td><td>Ohio State Buckeyes</td><td align="right">2</td><td align="right">0</td><td align="right">1329</td></tr><tr class="oddrow"><td>5</td><td>6</td><td>Michigan Wolverines</td><td align="right">2</td><td align="right">0</td><td align="right">1293</td></tr><tr class="evenrow"><td>6</td><td>5</td><td>Oklahoma State Cowboys</td><td align="right">2</td><td align="right">0</td><td align="right">1277</td></tr><tr class="oddrow"><td>7</td><td>7</td><td>Miami Hurricanes</td><td align="right">2</td><td align="right">0</td><td align="right">1190</td></tr><tr class="evenrow"><td>8</td><td>9</td><td>Clemson Tigers</td><td align="right">2</td><td align="right">0</td><td align="right">1072</td></tr><tr class="oddrow"><td>9</td><td>11</td><td>Florida State Seminoles</td><td align="right">2</td><td align="right">0</td><td align="right">971</td></tr><tr class="evenrow"><td>10</td><td>12</td><td>TCU Horned Frogs</td><td align="right">2</td><td align="right">0</td><td align="right">920</td></tr><tr class="oddrow"><td>11</td><td>13</td><td>Notre Dame Fighting Irish</td><td align="right">2</td><td align="right">1</td><td align="right">852</td></tr><tr class="evenrow"><td>12</td><td>15</td><td>Georgia Tech Yellow Jackets</td><td align="right">2</td><td align="right">0</td><td align="right">816</td></tr><tr class="oddrow"><td>13</td><td>16</td><td>Florida Gators</td><td align="right">2</td><td align="right">0</td><td align="right">721</td></tr><tr class="evenrow"><td>14</td><td>8</td><td>Arkansas Razorbacks</td><td align="right">2</td><td align="right">1</td><td align="right">577</td></tr><tr class="oddrow"><td>15</td><td>20</td><td>Minnesota Golden Gophers</td><td align="right">3</td><td align="right">0</td><td align="right">524</td></tr><tr class="evenrow"><td>16</td><td>22</td><td>Pittsburgh Panthers</td><td align="right">1</td><td align="right">1</td><td align="right">393</td></tr><tr class="oddrow"><td>17</td><td>NR</td><td>Texas A&M Aggies</td><td align="right">3</td><td align="right">0</td><td align="right">381</td></tr><tr class="evenrow"><td>18</td><td>NR</td><td>Texas Longhorns</td><td align="right">3</td><td align="right">0</td><td align="right">372</td></tr><tr class="oddrow"><td>19</td><td>24</td><td>USC Trojans</td><td align="right">1</td><td align="right">0</td><td align="right">345</td></tr><tr class="evenrow"><td>20</td><td>10</td><td>Boise State Broncos</td><td align="right">0</td><td align="right">1</td><td align="right">318</td></tr><tr class="oddrow"><td>21</td><td>18</td><td>Oklahoma Sooners</td><td align="right">0</td><td align="right">2</td><td align="right">310</td></tr><tr class="evenrow"><td>22</td><td>17</td><td>Wisconsin Badgers</td><td align="right">0</td><td align="right">1</td><td align="right">265</td></tr><tr class="oddrow"><td>23</td><td>10</td><td>Michigan State Spartans</td><td align="right">2</td><td align="right">1</td><td align="right">259</td></tr><tr class="evenrow"><td>24</td><td>25</td><td>Iowa Hawkeyes</td><td align="right">1</td><td align="right">1</td><td align="right">235</td></tr><tr class="oddrow"><td>25</td><td>NR</td><td>Oregon State Beavers</td><td align="right">2</td><td align="right">1</td><td align="right">231</td></tr></table></body></html>​

Heisman Trophy Watch
1. Denard Robinson, QB, Michigan
2. A.J. McCarron, QB, Alabama
3. Marquise Goodwin, WR, Texas
4. Zack Lee, QB, LSU
5. Uzoma Nwachukwu, WR, Texas A&M

 

[packersfan4eva]

You better turn this around, Maize. You're gonna get fired.

 

[Fox1994]

Slow start, but it's to be expected. You can do it.

 

[Maize]

You better turn this around, Maize. You're gonna get fired.

Worse case, if I do get fired, then I will just create another coach and take over Kent State again. It's not pretty, but I'm trying to be patient. Losing some of these games the way I have has hurt. Rutgers was not a game I planned on winning, but I was down 4 and throw a pick-six on a receiver screen. Three road games against tough teams, I just need to bounce back now with conference play starting.

Slow start, but it's to be expected. You can do it.

Thanks Fox. Definitely a slow start, but playing Rutgers, an Army team that is tough to figure out, and the second-ranked team, I cannot expect wins. I am really close to turning this thing around, but the talent gap is still pretty evident. Starting players in the 50's and low 60's and playing on AA, it's tough. Plus, recruiting is tough. Thanks for still following this.

Recruiting update and then the Ohio game, probably both posted tomorrow.

 

[Maize]

Recruiting News and Updates​

Kent State
Players Line Up for Owls Games
After a tough loss to the second ranked team in the country, Kent State is finally heading toward its' home opener. The team only plays five home games at Dix Stadium this season, the first also being their MAC opener against Ohio. The two-time defending MAC Champion travels to Kent, Ohio with a winning record.

While Kent tries to avoid starting 0-4, they are also working on a strong start to their recruiting efforts. Two players have already given verbal commitments and now four will take their official visit when Kent hosts Florida Atlantic.

The top rated player visiting for the Owls game is two-star defensive end Scott Mayfield. Mayfield is a strong locker room presence, while also a presence in stopping the run. He leads Rocky River High in tackles, and could bolster a porous run defense for Kent State. He has only one offer, his offer from Kent State, and could commit to them before the his early October visit.

Another defensive player will be visiting, Martin Rodgers, a big and physical outside linebacker that could play end in college. He has prototypical size and good speed and has shown a knack for putting pressure on opposing Quarterbacks. He is considering Marshall and Akron, along with Kent and wants to make his decision before his final regular season high school game.

The other two that are visiting are in positions that Kent desperately will need to fill next season; Punter and center. Losing Josh Kline a year after losing Chris Anzevino, the team will need to add some depth to the interior of the offensive line. Hoping to add depth is Tim Jackson, from Detroit Catholic Central, a catholic league and state power in football. Jackson has been a three year starter for the Shamrocks and is considering Eastern and Western Michigan, along with possibly playing at Kent.

While Kent has made a push in recruiting to northern Ohio and western Pennsylvania, it has taken them throughout both states and stretched into Indiana, Kentucky, and Michigan. Jackson could be the first recruit from Michigan to sign with Kent since Billy Gonzales became Head Coach.

Players Visiting vs. Florida Atlantic

Scott Mayfield, DE, Rocky River, OH - 6'1" 254 - Nationally Ranked DE: #139

Martin Rodgers, OLB, Trotwood, OH - 6'3" 212 - Nationally Ranked OLB: #173

Nick Harris, P, Newport, KY - 5'11" 211 - Nationally Ranked P: #20

Tim Jackson, C, Novi, MI - 6'2" 288 - Nationally Ranked C: #90