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| | Monday, September 6 | |||||
| 1998 Record: 0-11 (0-8) | 1998 statistics | 1999 schedule Head coach: Dean Pees Returning starters: 15 (offense 8, defense 5) Outlook The building blocks are still being assembled for the Golden Flashes. Last year's 0-11 record was not much of a foundation, but this season's team is confident that improvement - and the results that come with it - is on the horizon. Second-year coach Dean Pees has some talent on the roster, but it's spread pretty thin, and there is little or no depth to speak of. Still, an abundance of youth suggests that the glass is half-full. Many freshmen saw significant playing time last year; nine worked their way onto the two-deep roster (four offense, four defense, placekicker), including six starters. They need to display a maturity beyond their years, mix it in with a little luck and some intensity, and stick with Pees, who has been a winner as the Michigan State defensive coordinator (1995-97) and Notre Dame secondary coach (1994). OffenseQuarterback Jose Davis is back for his third season as a starter. He brings a strong arm and good footspeed to the position, but needs to improve his decision-making. Two years ago he set a school record with 32 touchdown passes, but last season he threw more interceptions (10) than TDs (9). Two years ago he passed for a MAC record 551 yards against Central Florida. He needn't put up numbers like that this year, but the Golden Flashes coaching staff will require him to be efficient most of the time, and spectacular at others. The other primary threat is tailback DeMarlo Rozier. The 211-pound sophomore couldn't get off the mark in the first half of last season, but bounced back to gain 444 yards in his final six games. His 627 total yards was the fourth-highest freshman rushing total in school history. Kent will need more performances from him like the 38-carry, 119-yard day he had against Akron. There is concern about an offensive line that was part of the reason that Kent averaged just 13.5 points per game last year. Fortunately, four of five starters will suit up again in '99. Junior center Jeff Krysiak is the star of the group. The best of the bunch could turn out to be massive Jason Hupp (6-3, 331). He is just a junior. The biggest gaps from last year are at receiver, where Eugene Baker has departed. The job of picking up the slack will fall to sophomores Jurron Kelly and Josh Bostick. Kelly came on last year following a season-ending injury to Baker, catching 31 balls for 476 yards. He had six receptions for a season-best 161 yards against Marshall. This year he'll need to get in the end zone. The same is true for standout tight end Jason Gavadza. Last year he was 12th in the nation in receiving among tight ends and ranked 11th in receiving yards. His 64-yard TD against Bowling Green was one of the highlights of an otherwise difficult year. It's a good sign if: Rozier gets out of the blocks early this year.It's a bad sign if: A No. 1 receiver fails to materialize. Defense A rebuilding defense will look to a pair of linebackers as its cornerstone. Rashan Hall and Heath Hommel both started on the inside last year as true freshman and acquitted themselves well. Hall led the team in tackles with 96. Hommel is a talent, but will have a fight on his hand displacing junior Matt Rayl. Line veteran Brad Hartman is an emotional leader who puts his 6-4, 288-pound frame on the line with every play. This year he will move to end after previously playing tackle. He recorded a season-best 13 tackles against Youngstown State, part of the 64 total he amassed in '98. With a second season in coordinator Greg Colby's fluid scheme (it rotates between a 3-4 and a 4-3 depending on down and personnel needs), this side of the ball should be a little more confident and organized. But it may not be enough to get out of the MAC cellar in yards per game allowed (473.5) or points per game (41.3). If that is to happen, a new-look secondary will have to step up. Only senior strong safety Geoff Betts is back. Gary McCullough is expected to start at free safety while Murad Holliday and Nashville Dyer are slated to start at cornerback. It's a good sign if: A second year in this scheme begins to pay off.It's a bad sign if: Untested players in the secondary prove vulnerable. Special Teams Placekicker Dave Pavich was successful on five of eight field-goal attempts and all 17 PATs he tried. Senior Jim Less will be the punter. He will need to demonstrate a better leg; last year he averaged just 36.4 yards per kick. -- John Crowley |
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