The Flashes gave a total team effort in their 39-17 victory today. Colin Reardon passed for a career-high 360 yards and three touchdowns and Anthony Melchiori was perfect on four field goal attempts for the Flashes. In this game, KSU started eight sophomores and six freshmen. Needless to say, I'm very proud of this young team and hope this win is the beginning of many to come.

Go Flashes!!!




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Kent State Football vs. Army - Homecoming 10/18/14

In this week's press conference, Coach Haynes is joined by Nick Cuthbert and Casey Pierce (see link).

Football Weekly Press Conference 10/20/14

There is something of a chicken-and-the-egg principle at work when examining the correlation between recruiting classes and collegiate success. Winning begets recruiting success, but recruiting success begets winning. Starting the cycle is the challenge new coaches face, but as Western Michigan is now showing us (see link), it's a cycle that works with some perpetuity once it's begun. After finishing 1-11 in 2013, Western Michigan is currently 3-3 that includes a win over Ball State and a one-point loss to Toledo. Despite their 1-11 record in 2013, the Broncos captured the best recruiting class in the MAC this year and are now becoming a competitive program.







2014 MAC Football Recruiting Classes

The Sports Network
DATE & TIME: Saturday, October 18, 3:30 p.m. (ET)
FACTS & STATS: Site: Dix Stadium (25,319) -- Kent, Ohio. Television: None. Home Record: Army 2-1, Kent State 0-3. Away Record: Army 0-3, Kent State 0-3. Neutral Record: Army 0-0, Kent State 0-0. Conference Record: Army 0-0, Kent State 0-3. Series Record: Army leads, 2-1.


GAME NOTES: Coming off a one-sided loss to previously winless Massachusetts, the Kent State Golden Flashes will try to end their own losing skid as they host the Army Black Knights in a non-conference clash at Dix Stadium Saturday.


Army got back in the win column against Ball State following a three-game losing streak, but fell last weekend once again to Conference USA opponent Rice, 41-21. The Black Knights have two wins on the season, and both have come against Mid-American Conference opponents.


Kent State, a MAC program, was dropped by winless UMass last weekend, 40-17, at home. The Golden Flashes are now the only team in the conference to have no wins to this point in the season, and this clash with Army represents the final non-conference game for Kent State this year.


The teams have met three times on the field in their series history, with Army holding a slim 2-1 all-time lead. The last time the Black Knights won against Kent State was back in 2010, while the Golden Flashes won the most recent meeting in 2012.


Army held a distinct advantage over Rice in last weekend's contest on the ground, with a 250-182 edge in rushing yards. But the Black Knights couldn't get much going through the air, and finished the contest with a mere 91 passing yards. Quarterback Angel Santiago completed 5-of-11 passing for 37 yards and a touchdown, while A.J. Schurr was 1-of-3 for 54 yards through the air.


Army is a run-first offense that averages 407.2 total offensive ypg. Of those 407-plus yards per outing, 323.5 ypg come via the rushing attack. Santiago is a dual-threat quarterback more suited to run the ball, evidenced by his six rushing scores and 466 yards on the ground this season. His touchdown pass against Rice last weekend was his first this season. The senior has completed 23-of-34 pass attempts for 325 yards (67.6 completion percentage) without an interception.


The only player in the Army rushing game with more yards this season is Larry Dixon, who tops the team with 612 yards through six games played. Dixon averages 102 rushing ypg, and has scored five touchdowns for a Black Knights program that has found the end zone 19 times on the ground in six games.


While Army's offense has been steady through six games (27.5 ppg), the team's defense has been anything but, allowing opponents to score an average of 35.3 ppg and gain 441.3 offensive ypg. Opponents have picked Army's secondary apart to the tune of 253.7 passing ypg and 16 touchdowns through the air in the team's six games played.


Jeremy Timpf leads the team in both tackles (52) and tackles for loss (7.5) this season, though Stephen Ricciardi has an impressive seven tackles behind the line of scrimmage, ranked right behind Timpf. Going against a Kent State team that will turn the ball over (it's a question of when, not if for the Golden Flashes), Timpf and Josh Jenkins will both be busy. Timpf leads the team with three interceptions, while Jenkins is close behind with two.
Kent State was helpless against UMass last weekend, as the Minutemen dominated offensively and made sure the Golden Flashes stayed out of the end zone long enough for Massachusetts to rake in the points. Kent State had just 341 total yards of offense in the loss, which once again was highlighted by a lack of any real presence in the run game. Quarterback Colin Reardon was the team's leading rusher yet again, going for 53 yards on three carries.


The team has really struggled to get anything going on the ground this season. The Golden Flashes average 68.2 rushing ypg, and have scored only two touchdowns on the ground through six games played. Nick Holley is the team's leader this season with 220 carries on 68 attempts, while Reardon and Anthony Meray are the only two to have punched in rushing scores this season.


Reardon under center has been unspectacular. The sophomore has passed for 1,227 yards and six touchdowns through six games, and has thrown eight interceptions in the same span. His 54.6 completion percentage isn't awful, but the team's record and scoring numbers show otherwise. Tight end Casey Pierce has caught 23 passes for 259 yards and a score, behind top receiver Chris Humphrey (24 receptions, 270 yards).


Defense hasn't always been the key concern for the Golden Flashes, who lost a 17-14 contest to conference rival Northern Illinois back on Oct. 4. In fact, Kent State has lost two games this year by that three-point margin, and dropped another by 10 points to South Alabama. The team is allowing opponents to score 34.7 ppg, while the offense manages 11.8 ppg. Stopping the run hasn't been easy for the Golden Flashes, who surrender 212.7 rushing ypg to opponents.


Safety Nate Holley ranks third in the nation in tackles per game (13.3) this season, which is a bright spot for Kent State. He leads the team with 81 total stops, and has a team high-tying two forced fumbles in six games. Perhaps very telling statistics, the Golden Flashes have recorded just three sacks and zero fumble recoveries all season long, meaning pressure on an opposing offense is minimal.


Army may be winless on the road this season, but the team has every chance in the world to nab its first away victory going against the floundering Golden Flashes. Kent State struggles to stop the run, and has given up 11 rushing touchdowns this season. Running the ball is the foundation of Army's offense, which means Kent State is in for a long day as it searches for that first victory.


Sports Network Predicted Outcome: Army 27, Kent State 17

This post was edited on 10/15 7:17 PM by nashvillegoldenflash

Army (2-4) at Kent State (0-6)

With its 2015 schedule cemented, Alabama has moved to adding more one-and-done home games to its 2016 slate.

Alabama has agreed to play Kent State, the alma mater of UA coach Nick Saban, in Tuscaloosa on Sept. 24, 2016. Alabama is paying KSU $1.5 million to play the game.

FBSchedules.com was the first to report the agreement on Wednesday.

The contract between UA and Kent State, a Mid-American Conference member, was drafted for July 18. UA Associate Vice President for Finance Reba J. Essary signed the contract on Sept. 2.

Alabama last played Kent State on Sept. 3, 2011, a 48-7 Crimson Tide win. Alabama paid $1.2 million for that game. The payout this time matches the most UA has ever paid for a non-conference opponent. Alabama paid Colorado State $1.5 million per game for two games in Tuscaloosa (the second scheduled for 2017) and The Daily News Journal in Murfreesboro, Tenn. reported Tuesday that Alabama will give Middle Tennessee State $1.5 million for its game in Tuscaloosa next season.

Two of Alabama's previously unknown non-conference opponents for 2015, MTSU and Charleston Southern, were released when the SEC announced its league-wide schedule on Tuesday.

Kent State joins two other non-conference games already on Alabama's 2016 slate. The Crimson Tide will play Southern Cal in Dallas on Sept. 3, 2016 and has Western Kentucky is scheduled for Sept. 10, 2016. UA paid Western Kentucky $1.3 million for its appearance. According to the contract, if Alabama or Kent State cancels the game, it will pay $1 million as "reasonable and contemplated liquidated damages." An SEC officiating crew will officiate the contest.

Alabama agrees to play Kent State in 2016

Army is favored by 6 points (see link).

Las Vegas Odds

In this weekly press conference, Coach Haynes is joined by Nate Vance and Colin Reardon.

This post was edited on 10/13 6:56 PM by nashvillegoldenflash

Football Weekly Press Conference 10/13/14

In the UMass postgame press conference, Coach Haynes is accompanied by Colin Reardon and Nate Holley (see link)

UMASS postgame press conference

In this week's press conference, Coach Haynes is joined by Jordan Italiano and Reno Reda (see link).

Weekly Press Conference 10/6/14

Flashes are favored by 1 (see link).

Las Vegas Odds

"Nobody thought that we would be in this game," said Haynes. "This football team will continue to fight and grind like crazy. It is shaping up for bigger and better things. I know it. I love this team's fight. They finally put together 60 minutes. That was the challenge we gave them."

"We felt more confident with our field-goal kicker at that point than with our third-or-fourth-string quarterback," said Kent State head coach Paul Haynes. "That was a first for me with two quarterbacks going down in (three) plays like that. Hopefully they will be alright because they are important to this team."

"I had never been through anything like that, nor have I ever seen it," said senior wide receiver Chris Humphrey. who led the Flashes with five catches covering 57 yards. "That's what football is. Adversity. When the third-string quarterback went in … guys stayed positive. We kept lifting each other up."

"I thought it was a good effort by our defense," said Haynes. "Our preparation has been awesome. These guys stayed after our walkthrough this morning and watched film as a group with no coaches involved. So those are things that are happening when I talk about this team starting to take shape. Those things wouldn't happen before. We're starting to get it together. W'e're just not getting it in the win column, but there are a lot of good things that are happening for the future of this team, this year and the future."

Postgame Press Conference

Great effort but the Flashes fall to the Northern Illinois Huskies 17-14 (see link).

Kent State Football at Northern Illinois

Coach Paul Haynes and players address the media in the weekly Football Press Conference (see link).

Weekly Press Conference 9/29/14

Northern Illinois is favored by 22 !/2 points (see link).

Las Vegas Odds

Coach Paul Haynes addresses the media during the weekly press conference (see link).

Football Weekly Press Conference

21 points

Las Vegas Odds

I received a note this morning from Wellington, Ohio OL Bruce Gibbs that he has made a commitment to Kent State. They offered him last week.

Bryce Gibbs profile

I realize Coach Haynes has to remain positive but isn't his constant talk of being MAC champs a little unrealistic when just winning a game seems doubtful at this juncture? I know the players must be feeling pretty low right now and the coach doesn't want to say anything that would make them feel any worse. But after losing 66-0, wouldn't a Jim Mora-type post-game tirade be more appropriate than the "get ready for the MAC to be MAC Champs" statement?

MAC championship? You kidding me? MAC Championship? I just hope we can win a game!



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This post was edited on 9/16 6:45 AM by nashvillegoldenflash

Jim Mora Playoffs!

I am soooooooooooooooooooo happy Indiana University lost to a MAC school! lolololololololoolololol They are just terrible, that hillbilly school from Bloomington, Indiana. lolololololololololoolololololololololololololo!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! I love when they lose!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! lololololololololololoololololololololololololololoolol!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! INDIANA SUCKS!
This post was edited on 9/13 3:07 PM by Johnnypurdue

After watching just two games this season, it seems that the Flashes are short on Division I talent. Certainly, the defensive line appears to have Division I talent but offensively the players just don't have the skills to win against Division I teams. And KSU is not the only program in the MAC with a football talent deficit. After playing a competitive game against Marshall in Week 1, Miami lost to Eastern Kentucky yesterday and Western Michigan has become just about as bad as Eastern Michigan.

So how much of a program's success is attributed to recruiting and how much of it is coaching/leadership? I contend that without good Division I players, a team cannot consistently compete in Division I football regardless of the quality of the coaching and leadership of the team. I don't doubt Coach Haynes' ability to coach but I do question his ability to recruit Division I talent. But Coach Haynes is not the only coach at Kent who has had difficulty recruiting. Darrel Hazell showed that he could win with Doug Martin's recruits but according to Rivals, his first full class was ranked 99th and his second class was ranked 102nd before he left for Purdue. And now that Hazell is at Purdue, he hasn't been able to recruit well enough to beat Central Michigan, losing to the Chips yesterday 38-17. It's amazing how good a coach can look when you have an All-American kick returner like Dri Archer. who was recruited by Doug Martin and not Hazell.

The big difference between success and failure as a college head coach is the ability to recruit and implement offensive and defensive plays that players can execute successfully. Pete Cordelli was no doubt the worst coach at Kent because of his inability to recruit good players and he could not get any productivity out of his players that he had. This brings me to a story when Cordelli was coaching at Kent. The Flashes were coming off seasons of 0-11, 2-9, 1-10, and 2-9 in the MAC, and another season was off to a bad start. After a 32-7 loss to Akron in Game 2, Cordelli called a late-night staff meeting to dissect the problem. Jon Hoke, the older brother of Brady Hoke and an assistant coach on Cordelli's staff, recalling the meeting said, "I'm sitting there thinking, "You've got to be kidding me. We've got bad players. I felt like going up there and pounding my head against the wall. I mean, we had good kids, they tried hard, but they were bad players."

Coming out of high school, Hoke was not exactly a blue chip player himself. Just like Paul Haynes, he earned All-MAC honors twice as a defensive back at Ball State as a walk-on. As a free agent, Hoke played for Chicago and Kansas City in the NFL.

Reflecting on his coaching days at Kent, Hoke said, "I probably learned more going 0-11 at Kent than going 11-0 at Bowling Green. The Kent experience was probably some of the most valuable I've ever had because it forced me to learn more football than I could have ever asked for. You were trying to do anything you could to put those players in a position to be successful."

Another coach at Kent was Dean Pees, who tried to implement complicated defensive schemes that he had used at Michigan State when he was Defensive Coordinator at MSU. Later, he recognized that Kent's players were not capable of executing the plays and later simplified things so the players could just react and not have to think so much.

With gifted athletes, a coach can use a jumble of blitzes and pass coverages that will confuse even the most veteran quarterback without making the defense vulnerable to big plays. However, with average athletes this defensive strategy is not effective because the players are often too slow to execute the plays which usually results in giving up big yardage.

Hoke believes in implementing plays that the players can execute. He said, "The more different blitz looks you can give them, the more the offense has to cut down on what they do because they're guessing more. I believe in doing more as long as the players can handle it."

Although the current team is performing well defensively, the offense is anemic and not able to execute the plays that are being called. The offense is too slow to run to the outside and too weak to run up the middle. Until Trayion Durham is able to come back and play at 100%, I just don't see the offense scoring enough points to allow the team to win. And until Coach Haynes is able to recruit better players, I just don't see the football program improving much at all. The same goes for Hazell and the Purdue Boilermakers.















This post was edited on 9/7 7:18 PM by nashvillegoldenflash

Hoke has blitzes at the ready

The Flashes are slightly favored over South Alabama (see link).

Las Vegas Odds

Kent State opens its 92nd season of football Saturday night, hosting Mid-American Conference East Division rival Ohio inside Dix Stadium at 6 p.m.. The Golden Flashes won their final two games of the 2013 season, including a 44-13 victory in Athens to close out the year. Meanwhile, the Bobcats earned a spot in last year's Beef 'O' Brady's Bowl.

Game Day Festivities

The game will be followed by the largest fireworks display in the history of Portage County presented by AMETEK.

Tailgating starts at 3 p.m. with prizes for the best burger.

Happy hour inside the stadium runs from 4:30-5:30 p.m., with dollar drinks and hot dogs.

The Family Fun Zone will feature an inflatable obstacle course, a climbing rock wall, games, face painting and photo opportunities of kids wearing Kent State football equipment from 4:30-6:30 p.m.

Just prior to kickoff, the Kent State Aviation Flight Team will perform a flyover and parachuters will present the game ball at midfield.

President Beverly Warren will conduct the coin toss.

Between the first and second quarter, the Mid-American Conference will present Kent State with the Jacoby Award, for excellence in women's athletics (see link).

Flashes Open Season Saturday Against Ohio

Here is a link to the September 1 football press conference.

This post was edited on 9/1 4:01 PM by nashvillegoldenflash

Football Press Conference September 1st

Kent State sophomore safety Nate Holley (Toledo, Ohio) was named Mid-American Conference East Division Defensive Player of the Week Monday by the conference office. Holley had a hand in three defensive turnovers on three consecutive Ohio possessions this past Saturday.

Holley also piled up 18 tackles, which ties him for the nation's FBS lead. It was the most tackles in a game by a Kent State player since 2009 (Cobrani Mixon). Twelve of Holley's tackles were solo stops. He also broke up a pass.

Beginning at the midway point of the third quarter, the Whitmer High School graduate forced a fumble recovered by teammate Najee Murray. The final turnover led to a game-tying touchdown drive by the Golden Flashes late in the fourth quarter.

After making three starts at the end of the 2013 season, Holley has settled in to his role at free safety. He also continues to be an asset on special teams.

Holley Named Defensive Player of the Week

Beginning Sept 8, the Water Street Tavern in conjunction with the Kent Area Chamber Of Commerce invite fans to meet, greet, and eat with Kent State Head Football Coach Paul Haynes every Monday at noon. There is no scheduled program to the event, he is simply there to chat with fans.

Use the discount code 'GoFlashes' on MrZubs.com for 15% off your order and have your lunch waiting for you when you arrive. (Mr. Zubs is located within the Water Street Tavern.)

This is not an event put on with KSU, but Paul using his own time because he feels very strongly about being out in the community and spending time with the fans that support his team.

Hope you can join us!