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| Monday, August 13 Updated: August 14, 9:05 AM ET Defense must improve for Kent State to win By Rodney McKissic Special to ESPN.com |
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Kent State Golden Flashes 2000 record: 1-10 (1-7). Coach: Dean Pees (4th year, 3-30). Starters returning: 6 offense, 9 defense. Outlook: The offense is powered by the option and the short passing game but who will run the team is anyone's guess. Ben McDaniels emerged as the No. 1 following spring practice, but he will be pushed by Jeff Valentino and freshman Joshua Cribbs. All three backs from last year return led by Chante Murphy who rushed for 800 yards. Matt Curry and Jurron Kelly, who excels in the short passing game, are experienced receivers. The heart and pulse of the defense is at linebacker with seniors Rashan Hall and James Harrison. The secondary, however, may be the worst in the MAC. They allowed an bewildering 244.1 yards per game in the air and their six interceptions was also the lowest in the league. Keep an eye on: Pierre Wilson, The addition of the sophomore, a transfer from Michigan State, gives the Flashes yet another valuable linebacker. Key game: A Sept. 8 game against Bucknell may be the only chance Kent State has at winning a game this year. It's a good year if... McDaniels played like he did in the spring and the secondary improves. Otherwise it will be business as usual at Kent, who hasn't enjoyed a winning season since 1987. Rodney McKissic covers the MAC for the Buffalo News. |
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