Mid-American Conference Preview: Kent State

Kent State Golden Flashes

2015 Results: 3-9 (2-6, 5th in East)

Returning Starters: 9 OFF, 8 DEF, 1 SP

2016 Schedule

September:

3rd at Penn State

10th NORTH CAROLINA A&T

17th MONMOUTH

24th at Alabama

October:

1st AKRON

8th at Buffalo

15th at Miami (OH)

22nd OHIO

29th at Central Michigan

November:

8th WESTERN MICHIGAN

15th at Bowling Green

25th NORTHERN ILLINOIS

Head coach Paul Haynes inherited a program fresh off of a near BCS bowl game, falling short against Northern Illinois and missing out on the opportunity. Three years in and Haynes has a record of 9-26, nothing to call home about. He started with 4 wins, dropped to 2, and recovered to 3 last season. They are returning a large portion of their team and if they were able to continue their skill growth, they could work their way back toward the team of old.

Offensively, the Golden Flashes ranked next to last nationally in total offense. For the MAC conference, that is a sin. The rush offense ranked at 107, which is rough, but it doesn't quite compete with their dumpster fire of a passing attack that checked in at 120 nationally. They return every skill position and lose only two of their starting O-linemen. They are all back, but does it actually matter? Here's to hoping that they can gain some sort of traction offensively and not be as terrible as last season.

The defense is clearly the strength of this team. They are returning 8 starters from a defense that ranked 27th nationally in total defense, 35th nationally last season when defending the rush, and 39th against the rush. The lost players on defense will not cripple this team due to the amount of talent they are returning. This is different than the teams we have already previewed in that the defense is clearly the straw that stirs the pot for this team. 

Player to watch: Terence Waugh

If I'm being honest, nobody on the offensive side of the ball deserves any recognition until they go out and prove themselves. Waugh led the team in sacks and TFLs last season. He is back and ready to continue being the main man on the strong defense.

If you only watch them once, watch: 10/8 at Buffalo

It was a 1 point game last season in Kent and it stands to reason that this year's game should be a good battle as well. I look for Kent State to solve the riddle that baffled them last season and get the job done this season.

Prediction: 4-8 (2-6, MAC)

All my love, 

@corbeech