Who are the players who have to step up and improve/fill new holes?
For Iowa, it will be the new PK, the re-vamped O-Line (injuries) and the D-line back-ups (not much experianced depth there) that will be important. Much more so than the new QB, IMHO.
We are bringing a lot of people back from last year. It's too bad Cribbs will be suspended. He is fun to watch. Our running game is going to need to step up this year. David Alston and Elijah Brooks will split duty with Kevin Beverly. It should be one of our stronger suits.
Defense is where the biggest improvement is needed. Outside of LB Eric Mahl (great name for a LB isn't it?) There isn' a lot of impact players in that unit. We return 10 guys on defense, but they gave up a ton of yards and points last year.
Overall the talent on this team has been upgraded in recent years. That will need to continue in order for Kent State to crack the upper echelon of MAC teams that routinely upset bigger programs.
You won't be seeing Brooks in a Flashes jersey. He transferred. Coach likes a redshirt frosh named McClaude in his place. You should see alot of Beverly and Alston at RB.
It MAY be too bad Cribbs isn't playing. Given is propensity to injury...may be a blessing in disguise. You should get a look at Cribbs part duo - Antwon Smith. Supposed to be as fast as Cribbs with a better arm...someone frm Kent told me Smith was taller too, but I have not looked it up. (I thought he was smaller.)
In addition to Mahl on D, look for a CB Young and sSfety Elam- the latter more out of curiosity. He landed at KSU after leaving ND in disgrace after an off the field incident. Might not stand out against the Iowa offense but should do pretty well in the MAC.
As an aside, thanks to axeme for taking it for the team on this one. I think it's gonna be ugly and just hope we come out without injuried, especially to Smith and Alston.
FlashFan Wrote:As an aside, thanks to axeme for taking it for the team on this one. I think it's gonna be ugly and just hope we come out without injuried, especially to Smith and Alston.
Alas, FlashFan, that trip looks dead in the water today. The Iowa relatives are visiting here in Ohio this week and their kids have something going on 9/4. I could go solo, but I wouldn't be able to leave until Friday night and that's a 9 hour drive. If I can't turn it into a family event, it's not going to happen.
On the plus side, it was going to cost a lot more than the $99 it costs to get the NCAA Game Plan for the season from DISH. I probably would not have signed up for that, but now that the Flashes are on, it's worth it for the one game alone.
Thanks to you FlashFan and all you football heads who have gotten me excited about Flash football. I can't remember a season I've anticipated more, and it's mostly due to the info I get on here and the passion you guys have for the oblong ball. It's catching.
And it keeps me out of trouble until basketball starts. Though my wife would say I'm in more trouble by adding more sports to my menu.
Glad you're on the bandwagon, axeme. Let's just hope it doesn't crash. BTW, figure you're gonna get in trouble for something...might as well be adding more sports. It's one of the more harmless paths to wander.
Notice this article on Mahl this morning. Interesting impressions ofthe defensive coaches included. Personally, I'm more curious to see what happens to the D this year than anything else.
<a href='http://www.ohio.com/mld/beaconjournal/sports/9400094.htm?ERIGHTS=1631157494364720943ohio::pmksbk@sbcglobal.net&KRD_RM=5sutpqlpnsslltmslllllllllt' target='_blank'>http://www.ohio.com/mld/beaconjournal/spor...lltmslllllllllt</a>
I really feel in my heart if cribs did not get injured last year they had a shot at Penn State....Iowa I don't know, we have gotten trounced by them in the past and I don't think we will be able to hang...I think the major talent discrepancy is their O-Line are monsters and their linebackers and d-backs...Of note though in Kents lost to Pitt it was a youthful secondary that got toasted but I saw the Kent recievers get behind a decent (not great) Pitt Defensive backfield....Cribbs was just a little off on the deep routes...I think Kent can score but I see them getting run on...Prove me wrong fellas
You're right, IKE, both of our QBs were hurt at Penn State. Would have been sweet to play them healthy. Part of the curse, I guess.
I am not as optimistic as Reno on the Iowa outcome. Even though coaches hate moral victories, keeping it within three touchdowns and leaving without any starters seriously injured would be enough for me.
Sorry about Drager. I sure was looking forward to seeing him at TE this year.