The first in a three part MAC preview:
<a href='http://www.toledorocketfans.com/articles2.cfm?articleID=158' target='_blank'>MAC East Preview</a>
I look forward to the abuse. :wave:
wishful thinking........can't blame ya' for that.
Latest on Cribb's status from the Beacon Journal:
Quote:Junior quarterback Joshua Cribbs could only watch from the sideline like any other Kent State fan as the Golden Flashes started spring football drills Friday morning at the Field House.
Cribbs, who was expected to lead the Flashes in the fall, is serving an indefinite athletic department suspension stemming from his Jan. 17 arrest for felony drug trafficking.
He will not be allowed to return until his legal issues are resolved.
``We're coaching the team that's here,'' said first-year coach Doug Martin.
Martin did say he would allow Cribbs to rejoin the team once his legal issues are resolved.
``He's going to miss spring practice, but he already knows the system,'' Martin said. ``And he's been in it, so he's not going to fall off at all. He'll be a little bit rusty possibly from missing spring ball, but if we can get his situation resolved, in the summer, he can start work again.''
Cribbs' trial was scheduled to start Monday in Portage County Common Pleas Court, but a representative from the office of Akron lawyer Lawrence Smith, who represents Cribbs, said a continuance was filed.
In the meantime, redshirt freshman Antwan Smith is the early leader in the KSU quarterback derby.
As the No. 2 quarterback in 2003, Smith passed for 148 yards and two touchdowns in limited action.
His longest outing came at Penn State. Smith completed 3-of-9 passes for 52 yards before injuring his shoulder.
``He's been in games before, and that's huge,'' Martin said.
Smith also played receiver last season, catching 18 passes for 194 yards and two TDs.
``I'm hoping we get Josh back, but if we don't, I have to step up and we have to step up at the other positions,'' he said. ``I have a lot of faith in my ability to step up, as well as in the other quarterbacks' ability to play the position.
``Maybe not a good as Josh, but to do some good things at quarterback.''
Cribbs and Smith both have the ability to make plays by throwing in the pocket or scrambling downfield.
Nothing wishful about it. It is conjecture based on current facts.
I hope that Cribbs gets to play, FlashFan. Kent needs to have a good year.
I think Marshall will retake the East lead this season. Miami lost a very good RB in addition to Roethlisberger and must travel to Huntington. After that, I'd say Miami with Akron a possible darkhorse. UCF will be better than last season, but not enough to contend.
I hope Kent gets Cribbs back. If not, they take a step back on offense.
Two reasons I disagree, Cmich. One, Marshall has been laboring under sanctions for a couple of years now. They've taken a toll. Two, Miami's line play is a big reason for their success running the ball. That will continue.
I like the theme that another Herd fan came up with for the '04 season: Marshall: The Lord of the MAC Rings - Return of the King.
Go HERD!!![COLOR=green]
i believe that Cal Murray was given a 6th year of eligibility due to injury last season, so Miami has all their backs back.
Quote:Two reasons I disagree, Cmich. One, Marshall has been laboring under sanctions for a couple of years now. They've taken a toll. Two, Miami's line play is a big reason for their success running the ball. That will continue.
In that case (Miami's line), the biggest concern is at QB. Marshall, OTOH has two proven QBs, albeit none like Pennington or Leftwich, but may have offensive line issues. I still give the nod to Marshall by a little, as they play Miami in Huntington. If the Redhawks have a QB step up though, look out!
CMichFan Wrote:Quote:Two reasons I disagree, Cmich. One, Marshall has been laboring under sanctions for a couple of years now. They've taken a toll. Two, Miami's line play is a big reason for their success running the ball. That will continue.
In that case (Miami's line), the biggest concern is at QB. Marshall, OTOH has two proven QBs, albeit none like Pennington or Leftwich, but may have offensive line issues. I still give the nod to Marshall by a little, as they play Miami in Huntington. If the Redhawks have a QB step up though, look out!
The question is can they keep Hill healthy through Ohio State and Georgia. The kid is going to take some nice shots in those two games. Secondly Googleman(I cant remeber his name off the top pf my head) didnt impress me too much last year. Needless to say its going to be intersting,Akron, Miami, Marshall, and (a much improved)UCF will probally all have a shot at the title. Buffalo will be more improved also but probally not better than fifth. Kent replaces a head coach and who knows about the pot head, and speaking of pot heads i dont seeing OU winning more than three games all year.
Marshall
Akron
Miami
UCF
Buffalo
Kent
Ohio
I'm pretty sure that Murray's eligibility is gone, but Mike Smith is back and is very good.
Miami's defense should be faster and better than last year, but the question mark is how we'll respond to Ben's departure. The cupboard on offense is hardly bare with our top 3 receivers back (we did lose a very good TE to graduation in Brandt), plus Smith. The offensive line is solid, but we lost a couple of key guys like Jacob Bell who will be playing in the NFL no doubt next year.
I like catching Miami in September this year. It'll help if your QB is still learning the ropes. Even if Stan isn't the next coming he will have solid play and plenty of experience. Plus at home, I have to give us the nod in a squeaker.
Flash fans have ambivalent feelings about Josh's return. I want him back, but only if he's really not guilty of the charges. And that's what Josh claims. If he's guilty, he's gone.
BTW, Josh had a better outcome on his appeal of a ruling by the Student Conduct court. His one year suspension from KSU was reduced to probation, meaning that as far as Kent's concerned, if he doesn't get into any more trouble, he can stay and play. The University discipline matter is over.
No doubt the Flashes biggest football week of the season is Josh's trial in late June.
sounds like a fair review... I dont think most UCF fans expect miracles this year... 6-5 and I would be happy .... anything above that is gravy.
Quote:Two reasons I disagree, Cmich. One, Marshall has been laboring under sanctions for a couple of years now. They've taken a toll. Two, Miami's line play is a big reason for their success running the ball. That will continue.
Good logic. However, after seeing the Green/White game on Saturday, we have depth and quality players at the 2's. Secondly, one of our strongest areas is D-line and our linebackers - which will hopefully have a great game vs. Miami in Huntington on that herald Wednesday night.
We'll see. :)
Chris from WV Wrote:Quote:Two reasons I disagree, Cmich. One, Marshall has been laboring under sanctions for a couple of years now. They've taken a toll. Two, Miami's line play is a big reason for their success running the ball. That will continue.
Good logic. However, after seeing the Green/White game on Saturday, we have depth and quality players at the 2's. Secondly, one of our strongest areas is D-line and our linebackers - which will hopefully have a great game vs. Miami in Huntington on that herald Wednesday night.
We'll see. :)
I thought our O-line looked horrible.What did you think?
O-line needs help. Hopefully, when the two starters return we'll be in much better shape.
mark it down............
Marshall BLOWS OUT Miami in Huntington.
58-10
HERDitALL Wrote:mark it down............
Marshall BLOWS OUT Miami in Huntington.
58-10
If there is a blow out, plan on the score being reversed from that.