Well, the season did not turn out the way many of us had hoped, but I would still like to congratulate the Flashes for running off the 4 wins to end the season. They finished the MAC 4-4 which hasn't happened that often in the past and 5-6 on the season which had been rare as well. The team seemed to find it's stride at the end even though it wasn't the best of competition. They also found some heart which past Flash teams seemed to lack after the kind of horrible start this team had. Congrats Flashes and on to 2005!
Additionally, I want to say thanks to Josh Cribbs for 4 exciting, fun to watch 4 years. Only sorry that he didn't always have the tools around him to get a MAC Championship. Best wishes for success with his family and a solid NFL career.!
Completely agree, Flash. In retrospect, I think Cribbs's off the field problems caused more disruption in the offense than we would have liked...missing spring practice, missing the opener...and it took a few games longer than expected to get them cranking. Also, who would have thought that Travis Mayle would go from a Lou Groza candidate to having a disasterous season?
But you nailed the difference for me. Sorry punt and FIDO, but Pees' teams appeared to quit during games and during seasons. When things got bad they went to worse quickly. This is the first time in a long time the Flashes rallied, even if it was only for pride.
While we lose some big guns next year ( no way to replace Cribbs), there is enough coming back to make it interesting, especially on defense where we retun three linemen ( Attieh, Muir and Parrish), Sessler, Williams and Young. I just hope we can hang on to Restkis to go with them. He deserves incredible credit from taking the worst defense in the MAC to the best. I can't wait to see what Martin does with an offense he groomed with Smith, Bobb, McCalude, Bush and don't forget Draeger.
Plus, we actually bring momentum into spring and summer camps.
Go Flashes!
My disappointment is in the REALISTIC analysis that we could have been 8-3. This would not have taken a change in ability. It would have been a change in heart. I have a lot of empathy and tolerance for athletes with lesser abiltiy, but I have little respect for athletes lacking in heart. Yes, we did seem to develop some real desire after the season was determined. I think that we can all see that with the right effort, this team could have been playing for something at the end. And, with the bowl situation as it is, who knows, this could have been a bowl year. The real downside was that this team had good fan support at the beginning at it squashed it all by its self.
I am looking for Martin to bring in players with heart. For some reason, I have faith in him. But , I am still soaking in "what ifs".
FlashFan Wrote:but Pees' teams appeared to quit during games and during seasons.
In some ways I would agree and disagree with that. As my career went on the heart, desire, and "want to" only increased as we brought in players with better attitude. And you see that improving this season. Though during games some guys may have quit, thinking "here we go again", that NEVER happened on an entire season. That is the great thing about football, there is always next week. Reminder: in 2001, we started 1-4, and rallied to win 5 of our last 6 for the first winning season in over 20 years. Not exactly quitting.
As far as this season, the attitude has changed. On defense we saw it all year and offense it took time to start clicking. Make a kick here, catch a pass there, catch a punt (or snap) every once in awhile and we may not be crying in our beers. It not only would have made a difference in the games, but it would have drastically changed their attitude and outlook. It can, and should, only get better next year. We will have holes to fill, but at the same time we will be experienced. It will make for a good mix. Martin and this staff will have the answers.
On another note, after moving to Detroit I was looking forward to the Flashes at the MAC Championship and even the Motor City Bowl. Didn't quite work out yet.
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:mad:
Still going this year though, looking forward to a good one on Thursday night.
FIDO,
You were there and I wasn't. So I'll take your word for it and believe you never quit. But I can't say the same thing about the majority of the team right after that last winning season. Cribbs got hurt early and the team tanked. Watching the 50-0 drubbing we got by Ohio for Homecoming, it sure looked like a team that gave up.
I do agree that we have more players with your attitude now and a coaching staff who can seem to get the best out of them. I think things are looking up.
I am very happy for a team that lost so many close games that they should've won to not have a let down and win the games they are supposed to win, convincingly. Please excuse the use of " moral victory" but thats what it was for a first year coach coming in with another coaches players. The team is headed in the right direction hopefully they can build on it.
I am a huge fan, but reading the posts about bowl games made me think and then I went into a state of panic. Is anyone else Frightened by the thought of us going to a bowl game, when we cant even get more than 15,000 people to come see the best football player to ever wear the KSU uni play at home????? What would we do if we got a bowl? Everyone on this board would be there, and we would show up 3,000 strong???????
I am a little disappointed in Kent fans lately and have not had the chance to get it out. Why doesnt the MACC sell out for every conference home game???? this blows my mind!!!! I fell like we really let our bball team down last year at the gund, when the whole place was Kent State except one section of Western Michigan Fans who completely drained us out and helped their team gain momentum. We need to represent better or there is no reason for "Winning is(to be) Contagious".
Go Flashes! and Go Flashes Fans that represent!!!!!
I went to the games to see Cribbs but I will submit to you that the attendance would be better at the end of the season if we are 8-2 with not big stars. People want to root for a winner, not stars.
I don't disagree with you but teams without fans dont have confidence, whether they win first or not.
We Still dont sell out the MACC for bball games!!!! So I don't know how many people would jump on the football band wagon, just because we would get to go to the "Motor City Bowl"
Thanks for supporting though, wish there were more of us out there!