Kent State Sports News

FRESHMAN QB’s – One of the interesting subplots to the Kent State vs. Akron game this season are the two true freshman quarterbacks both sides will be starting.  Kent State has Spencer Keith at the helm while Akron was forced to turn to Patrick Nicely three weeks ago against Ohio.

Kent State’s Keith has stepped into the starting role for the Flashes and been solid.  Keith has completed 58.8 percent of his passes for 1, 538 yards with 11 touchdowns and eight interceptions.  Kent State coach Doug Martin continues to remark on Keith’s impressive mental capacity for the game and his calm demeanor. 

“He’s really bright," Martin said.  "He’s a 4.0 student.  He’s really got a great mind for the game too.  A lot of young players, especially when you call plays, they just go out and run them.  Spencer has an understanding of why you’re calling that play.  He’s really got a remarkable presence about him.  He’s really calm, he doesn’t get frustrated and has got a great presence in the huddle.”

After leading the country in passing yards (5,310) at Pulaski Academy in Arkansas last season, Kent State appears to have hit a home run  in recruiting.  “His plans were to go to an Ivy League school to begin with,” Martin said.  “Coach Vance, our recruiting coordinator, did a great job finding him.  I think it came down to us and Vanderbilt were the two that brought him in for visits and we were just fortunate to have a scholarship left.” 

As for both teams having to turn to freshman quarterbacks this season Martin said, “We both have been kind of forced into that hand.  We had the injuries with Giorgio Morgan and they’ve had the injuries at quarterback.”   

As for Akron, Nicely was pressed into duty against Ohio on October 10, when Matt Rodgers went down with a season ending knee injury.  Earlier in the season, Chris Jacquemain was dismissed from the team.

Since taking over, Nicely has completed 53-109 passes for 613 yards, one TD and two interceptions.  The Willoughby South product had a very accomplished career in high school while being selected to play in ‘The Big 33 All-Star Game’ in Pennsylvania.  He was rated the number one overall quarterback in the state by OhioVarsity.com.

“Nicely is a really quality quarterback,” Martin said.  “I remember when he was coming out in high school, he was recruited by a lot of BCS schools, Boston College, and a lot of schools really wanted that young man.  He’s gotten better every single week.”

Akron head coach J.D. Brookhart weighed in on both teams starting freshman quarterbacks in this rivalry game.  “I’m sure it’s not the ideal situation for either of us.  You always want a veteran in there.  They’re talented kids, and you see them making progress each week.  It’s a pretty unusual situation, I’d say.”

Both Martin and Brookhart would have preferred to redshirt their freshman signal callers, but they will square off Saturday at the new InfoCision Stadium.  The Keith – Nicely matchup has the potential to be a fun rivalry to watch for the next four seasons.     

BAYLOR, THE TURNING POINT? – Many fans and media have discussed and wondered what the turning point of the season has been for Kent State.  The turning point that has surged them to a three game winning streak, with bowl game and MAC Title aspirations.  While many think it was the Bowling Green game, Martin said it came before that.  “Our game against Baylor, I really started to see us start to come on,” Martin said.  “We played really hard defensively in that game.  We started to really move the ball offensively.  From that time, I’ve just sensed that we’ve been a different team.”  In the 31-15 loss to the Bears, Kent State out gained Baylor 424-374.  The Golden Flashes missed out by going 0-3 in the red zone at Floyd Casey Stadium. 

OVERLOOKING AKRON? – Martin was asked during the MAC teleconference if his team would be overlooking Akron, with a 1-7, 0-4 MAC record, riding a six game losing streak.  “I don’t think that’s any problem for us,” he said.  “We haven’t had very much success against Akron over the years here.  If our guys are thinking it’s going to be anything other than a nail-biter and a game down to the last play, they’re crazy.  All you’ve got to do is look at the past history.  I don’t think that will be a problem at all.”  Akron has defeated Kent State the past two seasons and 10 of the last 12 overall.

SPOILERS – From Akron’s perspective, the perception (and perhaps the reality) is that the Zips will try to salvage their disaster of a season with a big win over their arch rival, and also try and keep the Flashes from winning an East title and going to a bowl game.  “This is a big game,” Brookhartsaid.  “Every year this is one we point to.  It means a lot to both sides.  It’s a year long source of pride.”

NO BROTHERLY LOVE SATURDAY – Kent State redshirt freshman defensive back Leon Green will be squaring off against his brother on Saturday.  Marvase Byrd is a redshirt freshman defensive back for the Zips.  Green has played in eight of KSU’s nine games with three tackles and a fumble recovery.  Byrd has played in eight games, including a start at Syracuse.  He has 11 tackles, while also playing on special teams.   Green and Byrd attended different high schools in the Pittsburgh area.  Both are cousins to former NFL Pro Bowl running back Curtis Martin.

BELIEVE IT OR NOT – Kent State’s Martin and Akron’s Brookhart are the two longest tenured coaches in the Mid-American Conference.  Both are in their sixth seasons.  Martin is 24-43 and 17-28 in the MAC during his KSU career.  Brookhart is 28-40 and 20-24 in the MAC while leading the Zips to the 2005 MAC championship.  Martin is 1-4 against Brookhart and the Zips.

SERIES NOTES – This will be the 52^nd all-time meeting between the two schools and the 39^th time that the Wagon Wheel will be up for grabs.  Kent State leads 19-18-1.  KSU didn’t pick up a win in the series until the 13^th game was played in 1942.  After that stretch, Kent State won 10 straight games from 1942 to 1954.  Since 1975, Akron has won 17 of 26 meetings.  Kent State has not won in Akron since 2003.

NEWS, NOTES

Terry Earns Academic Honors – KentStateSports.com

Injured Jarvis still part of Flashes' turnaround – Record Courier

Tommy Pizzurro, a 6-3 300 pound offensive lineman from Hargrave Military Academy has reportedly committed to Kent State.

Kent State comes in at #5 in The MAC Daily Power Rankings. 

Zips seek to be spoilers – Akron Beacon Journal

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KENT – On September 14 when Kent State head coach Doug Martin met the media, he was emotional.  The sixth year head coach was emotional because his star running back Eugene Jarvis would be out for the season with a kidney injury.  His starting quarterback at the time, Giorgio Morgan, was suffering from a nagging ankle injury and was questionable for the upcoming game with Iowa State.  Kent State had a lot of negative issues to deal with, and after a loss to Boston College two days earlier; Martin laid it on the line. 

"Well let me tell you what they’re really saying,” Martin started.  “They’re really saying Brian Lainhart’s not good enough to play without Eugene Jarvis.  Andre Flowers isn’t good enough to go and play running back.  Dri Archer’s not good enough to go and play running back.  The rest of you Kent State football players, you ain’t good enough, and coaches too.  You coaches aren’t good enough to get it done without Eugene Jarvis, he’s all you had.  That’s what’s really being said there if you want to talk about that."

Martin continued in his emotional Monday afternoon press conference in the ‘Varsity K’ room at Dix Stadium.  With Brian Lainhart seated next to him, Martin challenged his football team and made some bold guarantees.  "I love history.  The Vikings, you know how they used to conquer people?  They used to sail those ships in there, get off the ships then burn them.  There’s nowhere to run," Martin said.  "So I’m going to tell you this.  We don’t have our starting quarterback; we don’t have our starting running back; I don’t care.  I’ll guarantee every Kent State fan right now this is going to be a winning football team and this football team is going to be in a bowl game.  And Lainhart, I just burned the ships.”

Since then, the Flashes have gone 4-3.  But since Mid-American Conference play began, the Flashes have won four out of six games and are playing some inspired football.  The Golden Flashes are 4-1 in the MAC and sit a half game out of first place behind Temple.  Kent State is playing with a confidence and a belief that they can make crucial, winning plays at crunch time unlike other Kent State teams of the past.  The Golden Flashes are doing it with a solid mix of veterans and young players.  It also helps that the talent level is improved as Martin and his staff have done a good job in recruiting in recent seasons.  “Our players are really great together right now,” Martin said after Saturday’s victory over Western Michigan.  “They’ve got a great belief in each other.  You could see it this week in practice.  They’ve got something special going right now.  We’ll see if we can manage to continue it.”

On Saturday, Martin revisited his bold predictions that he made back on September 14.  Martin said he thinks those statements were a real benefit to his team.  “I have a deep belief in these players and coaches,” he said.  “At that time we had just lost, in my opinion the best running back in the conference.  Our starting quarterback was Giorgio Morgan, all of a sudden he was hurt and it wasn’t happening.  We had a lot of things going against us.  I just felt like our team needed something to rally behind.  That’s why I stepped out and made that statement.  I fully believed it, and I still believe it.  I know our players believe it now.  I think it was big for them that I made that statement.  I think they’ve rallied behind that and they probably knew when we said that, people were laughing, but they’re not laughing now.”

So far, the Flashes are backing up their coaches’ statements.  Kent State will look to extend their three game winning streak on Saturday at Akron as Kent State tries to recapture the Wagon Wheel.  The Zips have won the last two meetings with the Golden Flashes.

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The Kent State football TEAM issued another strong performance in all three phases of the football game and solidly beat Western Michigan 26-14 on Saturday afternoon.  Kent State fans, you can get used to hearing that can't you? 

Spencer Keith had a career high in completions with 24, and yards with 373 as the Flashes out gained the Broncos 477-293.  Tyshon Goode was better than good on Saturday.  The 6-1, 178 pound true freshman from Syracuse, New York hauled in a career high 11 receptions for 198 yards and two TDs.  Jacquise Terry had 90 yards rushing and 52 yards receiving with a rushing TD while Jameson Konz had a career high in receptions (5) and matched a career high in yards with 74.

Monte Simmons paced the defense with three sacks, five total tackles and a forced fumble.  Cobrani Mixon led KSU with 10 tackles while freshman Luke Batton came up with an interception that helped the seal the game in the fourth quarter.

Kent State will head into November while controlling their own destiny in their journey to capture a MAC East title.

Kent State will take on the Akron Zips next week in their first trip to Infocision Stadium as the two teams battle for the Wagon Wheel.  The Flashes are riding a three game winning streak while Akron has lost six straight games.

Box Score

GAME NOTES

PRESSURE ON HILLER

The Kent defense was able to get some pressure on Western Michiganquarterback Tim Hiller.  Defensive end Monte Simmons finished with a career high three sacks, five total tackles and a forced fumble.  “First and foremost, the defense as a unit, especially the d-line likes to rush the passer,” Simmons said.  “As a defensive line unit, pass rushing is our deal.”  Kent State knew that Hiller isn’t the most mobile quarterback, but Western Michigan’s offense is designed to deliver the football quickly and not let Hiller be gotten to.  “As we watched film, he’s not quick moving outside the pocket,” Simmons continued.  “If he moves his feet left to right, sideways, he’s not really good.  That’s why we got in front of his face.  We did our jobs correctly.” State

DEFENSIVE LINE DEPTH

Part of the reason the Kent defensive line has been so successful this season and has a MAC leading 30 sacks, is the depth of the defensive line.  KSU can shuffle in and out several players in between series, or plays.  “It’s big that we’ve got probably two and a half sets of defensive lineman that we can play, so fatigue should never be a factor with our guys,” Doug Martin said.  “Our depth is key.  All our guys are doing a great job of making offenses double-team them, and they’re pushing the pocket backward.”  Players like Lee Stalker, Dana Brown and Ishmaa’ily Kitchen have rotated in and done a good job for the Flashes.  “It’s great to know that we have someone else that’s also going to come on the field and give their all,” Simmons said.  “That’s what we need as a group.  In that area, it’s a good thing that we have as many defensive linemen that are capable of doing that.” State

HE’S PRETTY GOODE, ISN’T HE?

How about the performance from true freshman receiver Tyshon Goode.  Goode finished with a career high 11 receptions for 198 yards and tied a career high with two TDs.  Goode became the first Kent player with at least 10 receptions in a game since 2004 and he became the first receiver with at least 175 receiving yards since 2005.  Goode made a spectacular one handed grab in the game on a pass from Keith.  Goode also showed the ability to go up and grab the football out of the air and out of the reach of the defensive back.  “That’s what we saw when we recruited Tyshon from Hargrave,” Martin said.  “He would go up and take the ball away from people, and he’s a physical receiver.  He’s going to get much stronger and bigger.  He’s just a freshman.  He has great athletic ability when the ball is in the air.”  State

“It’s just having fun,” Goode said.  “It’s what I love to do.  Just go up there and make plays.  Most of all, I’m in it to do anything it takes to win the football game.  At the end of the day, I’m just trying to do whatever I can to get a victory.”

Goode also had a few key blocks down field to spring long runs, especially a scramble from Keith.

KEITH AND GOODE CHEMISTRY GROWS

You think Spencer Keith enjoys having a play-making wide receiver like Tyshon Goode?  And on the flip side, Goode must be loving his quarterback for putting the ball up in the air so he can jump up and make a play on the ball.  The two are developing quite the combination and chemistry just nine games into their true freshman seasons.  “At the end of the game, the last deep ball that Tyshon caught, I told Spencer to throw it to him if he was single covered, but he threw it to him when he was double covered, and he made a great catch,” Martin said.  “That shows what type of confidence Spencer has in him.  Those two have got a good chemistry together.”  I don’t want to get too far ahead of myself, but how fun will it be to watch these two perform together for the next 3+ years?  

RINEHART BOOMS

Matt Rinehart boomed an 80 yard punt on Saturday.  The ball got up in the jet stream over Dix Stadium and bounced into the end zone for a touchback.  It was Kent State’s only punt of the game.

3^RD DOWN CONVERSIONS ARE IMPROVING

The Kent State offense has been steadily improving with their third down conversions.  On Saturday they were a season best 10-14 for 71%.  During this three game winning streak KSU has gone 21-42 on third downs for 50%.  Prior to that, the team was just 15-79 for 19% in the first six games of the season.

AKRON PREVIEW

Kent State will now make their first trip to Infocision Stadium to take on the Akron Zips, the battle for the Wagon Wheel.  It has been a rough season for Akron.  The Zips have lost six straight games, had their starting QB kicked off the team and a coach resign amid some recruiting violations.  Injuries have also brought them down.  With that said, they must be considered a very dangerous team.  They would love nothing more to salvage their season by beating Kent State.  Doug Martin is hoping some KSU fans make the short trek over to Akron.  “Hopefully, next week we get more people,” he said.  “That’s the same thing as a home game.  Its 14 miles down the road here.  We can get as many Kent State people there as Akron people, and I hope that happens.”

REFLECTION

What a sweet sight it was, to see Kent State in the ‘victory formation’, taking a knee to run out the clock on Saturday.  To those that were in attendance, you know what I mean.  It came after a very impressive performance in all three phases of the game.  The announced attendance was 15,206.  While there wasn’t that many people on Saturday, those who were there saw a team they can be very proud of.  To those who were not in attendance, you’re missing out.  This is a very good football team, and they look like they have a special season starting to develop.   Some Kent State students still probably say, “Why would I go to a Kent football game, they suck.”  Nope, can’t say that anymore.  And if they do, they’re obviously not paying any attention.  This is a team to be proud of and support. 

NOTES…

Keith’s passing yards were the most ever by a KSU freshman, It’s the first time a KSU quarterback has thrown over 300 yards since 2006…With two field goals, Freddy Cortez improved to 6-7 on field goals in MAC play…KSU snapped a 12 game losing streak to WMU, dating back to 1988…KSU is 4-1 in the MAC for the second time since 1977 and the fifth time in 50 years with 2006 being the most recent year KSU started 4-1…KSU stretched their run without giving up a defensive touchdown to nine quarters before WMU scored a TD in the second quarter…KSU swept their West Division opponents for just the second time since Division play began in 1997

KENT STATE

Goode and Keith Light Up Bronco Defense in 26-14 Victory – KentStateSports.com

Flashes lasso the Broncos – Akron Beacon Journal

Flashes finish off Broncos – Kent Sports Report

KSU stays in title, bowl hunt with victory over Western Michigan – Record Courier

Goode's two TDs help well-rounded Kent State top Western Michigan, 26-14 – Cleveland Plain Dealer 

Scary Goode – Daily Kent Stater

Kent State Win Puts Team in MAC East Title Contention – MAC Report Online

WESTERN MICHIGAN

Bronco Football Falls to the Flashes, 26-14 – WMUBroncos.com

Not even a flash of consistency; Kent State latest team to expose WMU's flaws – Kalamazoo Gazette

Broncos treading on dangerous ground after latest disappointment – Kalamazoo Gazette

Broncos replay: Kent State 26, WMU 14 – Kalamazoo Gazette

Freshman tight end Hammond makes impact for Broncos – Kalamazoo Gazette

Broncos drop much needed win to Kent State, 26-14 – Western Herald

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KENT STATE (4-4, 3-1 MAC) vs. WESTERN MICHIGAN (4-4, 3-2)

Saturday | 2 p.m.

Dix Stadium (25,000) | Kent, Ohio

Radio: WNIR/100.1 FM (Tom Linder, Rob Polinsky, Ty Linder)

Internet: K-Zone

Series: WMU leads 32-17-1.  WMU has won the last 12 meetings and has averaged 52 points per game in the last six games.  The losing streak for KSU is the longest current losing streak against any opponent and the lengthiest since KSU lost 14 in a row to BG from 1974-1987.

Last meeting: WMU 44, KSU 14 | October 29, 2005

Last meeting in Kent: WMU 42, KSU 0 | October 28, 2000

WMU History: The Broncos are 57-58 overall since 2000.  They are 41-35 in the MAC during that same time.  Under Bill Cubit, the Broncos are 33-24 overall and 23-12 in the MAC.  WMU has won two MAC West Division Championships and has produced 10 undefeated home seasons.  The program has made four bowl appearances in 1961, 1988, 2006 and 2008.

KENT STATE Quick Facts

- KSU is seeking to go to 4-1 in the MAC for just the seventh time in the last 50 years.

- Kent State's defense has not allowed an offensive touchdown in eight quarters, the longest such streak since 1982.

- KSU is seeking their first win over WMU since 1988.

- QB Spencer Keith has completed 56.5 percent of his passes for 1, 165 yards, nine touchdowns and six interceptions.

- RB Jacquise Terry has rushed for 482 yards this season with a 5.1 average and three TDs.

- WR Tyshon Goode leads a revamped receiving group with 29 catches for 355 yards and three TDs.

- LB Cobrani Mixon leads the team with 79 tackles while Monte Simmons and Aaron Hull lead the team with 4.5 sacks each.

WESTERN MICHIGAN Quick Facts

- WMU has traded wins and losses in its last five games.

- The Broncos are 16th in the nation in passing offense (288 ypg).  They are 36th in total offense (406 ypg).

- The defense is 106th in the country in total defense (419.6 ypg).

- QB Tim Hiller (Orrville), the 2004 Beacon Journal Player of the Year, has completed 209-335 attempts on the season for 2, 254 yards and 15 TDs, against seven interceptions.  Hiller is second in conference history with 91 TDs.

- RB Brandon West is second in the MAC at 95 yards per game.  He is second in the country in all-purpose yards at 204.4.  He is closing in on NCAA Division I FBS records for career all-purpose yards, career kick return yards and career kick returns.  West ranks second in each category.

- The Broncos are a banged up group.  WR's Juan Nunez and Jordan White are not expected to play.  Same with LB and leading tackler Austin Pritchard.

GAME NOTES

PRESSURE ON TIM HILLER

Kent State’s defense is going to have to get some pressure on Western Michigan quarterback Tim Hiller.  Kent State’s defensive line especially, will need to continue to get pressure on the opposing team’s quarterback.  "Most of our sacks Saturday where not blitzes," Doug Martin said.  "They were just our guys playing hard and getting pressure with four.  That is what we have to do in this game.  We can't put our (defensive backs) on an island out there."  Kent State’s defense has struggled a little bit this season against pass-happy quarterbacks and offenses when facing Zac Dysert and Miami and Tyler Sheehan and Bowling Green.  "If we can get pressure with four, it is going to make life a lot easier for us," Martin said.  "If we can't, then zone pressures are going to have to be a viable answer for us and the (pass) coverage has to be tighter."

SUSTAINING OFFENSIVE DRIVES, BALL CONTROL

Kent State did a nice job last week extending drives, keeping the defense off the field and controlling the ball.  Last week against Ohio, KSU was able to hold the ball for about 34 minutes.  Against a potent offense like Western Michigan, sustaining some drives and keeping the ball away from them could be a key.  In the two games against Miami and Bowling Green, they out possessed Kent State with the ball for 10 minutes and 15 minutes respectively.  In my opinion, the Kent State defense was dead tired in the fourth quarter for being on the field that many plays.  The Kent State offense can help by running the football effectively and converting some third downs.

GETTING OFF TO A GOOD START

As always, I think getting off to a good start will be a key.  Getting off to a good start can help keep the confidence of the players high and keep the fans into the game.  With a team like Western Michigan, they have the ability to come back probably a little better than a team like Kent State.  Playing from behind in the game could be problematic for the Flashes.

SPECIAL TEAMS PLAY

There is a reason why making a big play on special teams is a key to a win every week.  In every Kent State game this season, they have made a big play on special teams.  Last week, it was more about the consistent punting and punt coverage of the unit.  Granted, they did give up a late touchdown punt return.  But for the first 58 minutes, they were solid.  Also, Leneric Muldrow had two big punt returns.  I’m not sure Kent State has to make a big play, but if they are solid in all phases of the kicking game, they will give themselves a shot to go 4-1 in the MAC.

DEFENDING DIX STADIUM

Kent State needs to come home and establish a winning culture at Dix Stadium.  Doug Martin is convinced that the fans will come out to see a consistent winner.  I’m not sure they are going to be selling out these last two games at home, but establishing a winning feel at Dix Stadium is important.  KSU is 12-17 at Dix Stadium under Doug Martin and 6-14 in the MAC.  "Hopefully we keep winning and people keep coming,” Martin said. “But we need people in this community and this area to get invested in our football program.  We understand that we have to win to make that happen, and hopefully we keep doing that.  We certainly need everybody here we can get here."

KENT STATE - Doug Martin, 6th season, 23-43 overall, 16-28 MAC

Game Notes

Statistics

Doug Martin press conference

KSU defensive line needs to keep pressure on – Akron Beacon Journal

Terry shines on, off the field – Kent Sports Report

Hiller presents challenge for KSU's defense – Record Courier

Football: Kent State, WMU Edge Towards Bowl Eligibility – The MAC Daily

Defensive staff recognized by FootballScoop.com – KentStateSports.com

KSU's defense begins to lay down the hammer-literally – Record Courier

Receiving Resurgence – Daily Kent Stater

KSU recruiting class plays huge role – Akron Beacon Journal

WESTERN MICHIGAN - Bill Cubit, 5th season, 33-21 overall, 23-12 MAC

Game Notes

Statistics

Bill Cubit press conference

WMU at Kent State: 5 elements of impact – Kalamazoo Gazette

WMU at Kent State: The kickoff – Kalamazoo Gazette

Video: "Bronco Talk" – Kent State preview – Kalamazoo Gazette

Video: Kent State preview – Western Herald

Catching on & letting go: Ex-QB Arnheim excelling, accepting of new life as receiver – Kalamazoo Gazette

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