OFFENSE

The good news is that nine starters return on offense. The bad news is that Kent State fielded one of the worst offenses in the MAC in 2010, ranking ninth in the league with a meager 314.3 yards per game.

For KSU to improve on offense, junior quarterback Spencer Keith must be more consistent. After showing nice potential as a freshman starter in 2009, Keith regressed last fall, throwing only eight touchdown passes with 11 interceptions.

Keith will have plenty of capable targets in the passing game with the return of his two leading receivers. Junior Tyshon Goode was a second-team All-MAC selection last season after leading the Golden Flashes in receptions (59) and yards receiving (743). Senior Sam Kirkland was a third-team All-MAC pick after catching 56 passes for 599 yards.

Tailback Jacquise Terry started seven games as a junior after Eugene Jarvis was injured, and he led the team in rushing with 542 yards. Look for junior Dri Archer, redshirt freshman Robert Hollomon and true freshman Trayion Durham to see some time in the backfield.

On the offensive line, four of the five starters return, as well as tight end Justin Thompson, a solid blocker. Tackle Brian Winters and center Chris Anzevino were both third-team All-MAC selections in 2010.
 

DEFENSE

The Golden Flashes return five starters from a defense that ranked 10th in the nation last year in total defense (306.7 ypg) and fourth in rushing defense (97.2 ypg).

Tackle Roosevelt Nix was a force for that defense as a true freshman, finishing fourth in the nation in tackles for a loss (20) and 11th nationally in sacks (10). Nix was named the MAC Defensive Player of the Year, becoming the first true freshman to win the award. Tackle Dana Brown and end Jake Dooley also are back on the line. End Richard Gray is a freshman to watch.

The linebacking corps will have to be rebuilt, with the loss of Dorian Wood and Cobrani Mixon, who were first and third, respectively, in tackles in 2010. Luke Batton returns on the strong side, and much is expected of C.J. Malauulu, a junior college transfer.

In the secondary, both starting cornerbacks, Josh Pleasant and Norman Wolfe, are back for their senior seasons. Wolfe led the team in interceptions last season with five.
 

SPECIALISTS

Special teams is an area of strength for Kent State, as both punter Matt Rinehart and placekicker Freddy Cortez are back. Rinehart was named first-team All-MAC after leading the conference — for the second straight season — with a 42.7-yard average. Cortez was perfect (31-of-31) on extra points and made 11-of-17 field goals.

FINAL ANALYSIS

The Golden Flashes will have a dose of renewed energy under new coach Darrell Hazell, who joined the program after seven years as an assistant at Ohio State. Hazell replaced Doug Martin, who resigned last November after his seven seasons produced a 29–53 record.

Kent State will have little margin for error in Hazell’s first season as it aims for the program’s first winning record since 2001. Early away games against Alabama and Kansas State will test the team’s mettle. The offense has potential, but Keith must be steadier as a junior than he was as a sophomore. The defense, under new coordinator Jon Heacock, will be fast and physical, but will need help from newcomers to approach last year’s success.