MAC 2010-Kent State Golden Flashes

2009 Record: 5-7 (4-4)
Head Coach: Doug Martin (7th season, 24-46)
Offensive Coordinator: Martin
Defensive Coordinator: Pete Rekstis (7th season)
2009 Bowl Game: Close only counts in horse shoes and hand granades

Offense: QB Spencer Keith returns from an injury marred 2009 season. The passing game was actually serviceable last season, but to be so again, Keith has to remain healthy. Eugene Jarvis is very close to breaking the Kent State rushing record, but suffered from a lacerated kidney last season, and Martin plans to use 3 other backs with Jarvis in a rotation. The seldom works. Tyshon Goode is the lone returning starter at WR. 3 starters return on the line, which should help.

Defense: This unit was a strong suit for the Flashes last season, finishing 54th nationally in total D. There is solid upper class experience on the front line with Quiton Rainey at DT, and Monte Simmons at DE both being seniors. Cobrani Mixon is the lone returning starting LB, and he too is a senior. Three starters return in trhe secondary, with FS Brian Leinhart, and SS Dan Hartman both being seniors. Starting CB JOsh Pleasant is a junior, as will be new starter Chris Gilbert.

Special Teams: Freddie Cortez returns at PK, but must improve his accuracy. Matt Rinehart finished with a 40.9 yard average at punter in 2009.

2010 Schedule

Wins: 9/2 Murray State, 10/2 @ Miami (Ohio), 10/9 Akron

Toss Up Games: 10/16 @ Toledo, 10/23 @ Bowling Green, 10/30 Ball State, 11/20 @ Western Michigan

Losses: 9/11 @ Boston College, 9/18 @ Penn State, 11/6 Temple, 11/13 Army, 11/26 Ohio

3 wins guranteed, with as many as 7 possible if they steal all of the toss games. The schedule is viscous in parts. It would not surprise me to see Kent State match their win total of 5 from 2009.

Outlook: There is some talent on this team, but many questions too. It will be interesting to see if the Flashes finally get over the hump for Doug Martin, or see if he finally gets some real heat applied to his tenure. There is leadership available in the ranks, so lets see if anyone leads.