I realize the win/loss record is the most basic criteria in evaluating a head football coach. However, fans who only look at that stat alone need to look at the big picture since the game of football is so much more than just the win/loss record.
Sure, I was disappointed after the loss to Akron, but the game showed me that Coach Haynes is able to evaluate talent, develop that talent, and put his players in position to win. When watching Nick Holley play quarterback today for the first time since high school four years ago, I couldn't help wonder why Haynes was the only one to offer Nick and his brother, Nate, a scholarship. What did Haynes see in the Holley's that other coaches didn't see? Although Haynes' recruiting classes have been less than stellar, he has proven that he can recognize talent. The Holley brothers, along with Justin Rankin are proof of that. Against Akron, Nick Holley became the first player to have over 400 yards of total offense (402) since Josh Cribbs in 2004 and was the first Kent State player since Julian Edelman in 2008 to have 100 yards passing (285) and 100 yards rushing (117) in the same game.
To complement Nick Holley's impressive performance, freshman running back Justin Rankin had 181 yards receiving, the most by a Kent State player since 2009 and had 10 catches that were the most by a Kent State player since 2014. Rankin finished the game with 298 all-purpose yards.
Despite the disappointing performance by the defense in the second half, safety Nate Holley had a respectable performance leading the team in tackles (12) for the fifth game this season.
So if you saw today's game, you can look at his players and see the positive things that they are doing. Contrary to what some fans are saying, Haynes and his staff are molding some good players and the systems that they are running allow the players to execute at a high level.
After the Akron game, I believe the reason fans, like myself, are encouraged about the future is because of young players like Rankin. With promising freshmen such as Rankin, Justin Agner, and Mylik Mitchell, I think this team has nowhere to go but up.
Sure, I was disappointed after the loss to Akron, but the game showed me that Coach Haynes is able to evaluate talent, develop that talent, and put his players in position to win. When watching Nick Holley play quarterback today for the first time since high school four years ago, I couldn't help wonder why Haynes was the only one to offer Nick and his brother, Nate, a scholarship. What did Haynes see in the Holley's that other coaches didn't see? Although Haynes' recruiting classes have been less than stellar, he has proven that he can recognize talent. The Holley brothers, along with Justin Rankin are proof of that. Against Akron, Nick Holley became the first player to have over 400 yards of total offense (402) since Josh Cribbs in 2004 and was the first Kent State player since Julian Edelman in 2008 to have 100 yards passing (285) and 100 yards rushing (117) in the same game.
To complement Nick Holley's impressive performance, freshman running back Justin Rankin had 181 yards receiving, the most by a Kent State player since 2009 and had 10 catches that were the most by a Kent State player since 2014. Rankin finished the game with 298 all-purpose yards.
Despite the disappointing performance by the defense in the second half, safety Nate Holley had a respectable performance leading the team in tackles (12) for the fifth game this season.
So if you saw today's game, you can look at his players and see the positive things that they are doing. Contrary to what some fans are saying, Haynes and his staff are molding some good players and the systems that they are running allow the players to execute at a high level.
After the Akron game, I believe the reason fans, like myself, are encouraged about the future is because of young players like Rankin. With promising freshmen such as Rankin, Justin Agner, and Mylik Mitchell, I think this team has nowhere to go but up.
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