Well, non-conference play is over for the Kent State football program. Congratulations to the Flashes on a job…done. After a hopeful week one performance at Pittsburgh, Kent State followed with a woeful loss to St. Francis (PA) of the FCS. Then, KSU was blasted at national championship contender Tennessee 71-0, in a game that was 65-0 at halftime. Saturday, the non-conference tour of death concluded with a 56-0 loss at Penn State.
Kent State quarterbacks are still taking hits as I started this article. Saturday, quarterback Devin Kargman left on a stretcher on the second play of the game with a lower leg injury. Later, promising redshirt freshman QB JD Sherrod left with an ankle injury on a non-contact injury on a draw play. Tommy Ulatowski, bandaged finger and all came in relief. Kent State’s pass protection was struggling to say the least.
Playing this type of non-conference schedule is not sustainable, and it’s bordering on not safe. Penn State and Kent State are both FBS programs, but they aren’t nearly on the same level. Playing this non-conference schedule year in and year out is ruining the beginning of the season, and hurting the future of the season, with the injuries and lack of confidence it creates.
Which leads us to right now. The dust has settled on the non-conference. Not much went right. Did anything go right? The Flashes limp into MAC play literally and figuratively week against Eastern Michigan. Oh yea, Eastern Michigan. Remember St. Francis? The Eagles dominated them on Saturday 36-0. You know, like a halfway decent MAC program should.
Anyway, Kent State is down two of their top three running backs (both for the season) and two of their three top quarterbacks as they head into the MAC season. Ulatowski was the only QB left in uniform today. MAC play is the only season that counts, and the next chance you have to evaluate your team against like competition.
Saturday is homecoming at Dix Stadium. A source of pride for the university, community and all who wear blue and gold. Also, a lot of people paying attention to the game that won’t be at any other games this season. A chance to make an impression for the football program.
What impression will they make? What impression can they make? With freshman all over the place, and other nondescript transfers, what are we to make of this Kent State football situation?
Kent State played hard Saturday. And for a half or so, they played solid defense and solid special teams. The offense continues to be awful to watch. And again, injuries all over. Three quarterbacks who played Saturday. I’m not even sure what to say anymore. Chrishon McCray and Luke Floriea are two of your dudes. They need the ball. OK, you are struggling to pass protect and struggling to keep quarterbacks healthy. Can you get it to them in other ways? In the screen game, the quick game, perimeter run game? I am not an offensive coordinator and I don’t play one on the internet. But I know ball. McCray is struggling with press coverage and the attention being given to him this year. So he’ll need to work to improve and use all his tools in his tool box.
What I don’t know is where this Kent State season goes from here. They will be a clear underdog in all their remaining games. Saturday is Homecoming as I mentioned. The players and coaches owe this community a good showing, and good game plan to win a game that before the season, seemed highly winnable. How about a win?!
I watched the game Saturday. In fact, I’ve watched every game since 2004 (crazy I know). I’ve watched them in student sections, chair back seats, opposing stadiums, in press boxes, on my phone, on TV, and I’ve listened to many of them, back when not every game was televised in some capacity. I am not one of those, “I went to Kent State, but Ohio State is my team.” Nah, I don’t root for anyone else. I want my alma mater to do well and bring us some pride.
What did KSU get out of this non-conference season? Other than some fat checks, injuries and brutal losses? I’m not sure. I hope the Flashes can lick their wounds, get healthy, and rally for the 2024 MAC season.