By John Agovino Aug 21, 2007, 16:35 GMT
OFFENSE: Two years ago the Golden Flashes were last in the country in rushing, but last season the team jumped to 39th with 158.4 ypg. The biggest reason for the huge leap was quarterback Julian Edelman as not only did the junior throw for 1,859 yards, but he also abused teams with 658 yards on the ground. Overall, Edelman finished with 17 scores and should improve in every area this year. The biggest issue for the KSU signal-caller will be building a rapport with a bunch of new wideouts. The top three receivers are Shawn Bayes, Aaron Robinson and Phil Garner, but all three combined for just 14 catches a year ago. Fortunately the team has more experience in the backfield. Edelman is not the only running threat for Kent State as sophomore Eugene Jarvis will try to improve on the 798 yards he rushed for last season. Jarvis is only 5-5, so expect Greg Keys to get plenty of carries as well, especially in short-yardage situations.
DEFENSE: The Golden Flashes have been a defensive force the last few years, but that might change this season with the team losing three top players to the NFL. Defensive end Daniel Muir is gone, but look for Kevin Hogan to lead the unit throughout the campaign. Last year, Hogan logged 7.5 sacks and was a tremendous leader. Another area of concern is the secondary which lost standouts Usama Young and Andre Kirkland. Jack Williams will fill in at the one cornerback slot, while sophomore Kirk Belgrave looks to have the inside track for the other spot. Safety Fritz Jacques collected 72 tackles a year ago and is a hard-hitting spark plug for KSU. The only part of this defense that is filled with depth and experience is at linebacker, among them Jameson Konz, who will roam the plains from his spot on the outside. Manning the middle will be Derek Burrell, but also expect Cedrick Maxwell to see time there.
SPECIAL TEAMS: This unit was simply abysmal last year, so there is really no where to go but up. Nate Reed and Reid Macko combined for just 2-of-10 field goals last season and while both are back, expect Reed to get the majority of the kicks. Punter Jake Kilroy was inconsistent last season, but with a year of experience under his belt he should be much better in his sophomore campaign.
OUTLOOK: From 1-10 in '05 and 6-6 in '06, the Golden Flashes are ready for the next step, however, achieving that level of improvement might be a tough task. KSU has three tough non-conference battles with Iowa State, Kentucky and Ohio State, all of which are away from Dix Stadium. Overall, the team has four road games in its first five contests, so if it can break through that part of the schedule with a winning ledger the Flashes might be able to contend in the MAC East. However, all of that will depend on the play of an inexperienced group of receivers and a suspect kicking game.
© 2007 The Sports Network
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