Kent State University

Type of Offense: Pro-Style. This offense is a run oriented offense that uses run plays and play action to get defenders out of position for passes in the 15-25 yard range. The tight end is 70/30 blocking versus running routes. Most known for the running plays in the middle, the offense has evolved to a more off tackle and “counter trey” running offense. This is more of the style of professional ranks allowing for a QB with a strong arm to thrive.

Type of Defense: 3-4. The defense that is in vogue for professional football is only used by teams that have a skill set of: a large NT that can take up space and blocks, 2 DEs that can also handle multiple blockers and read blocks to make plays, a couple MLB that can make lots of tackles in the run game, a WLB that can cover all over the field on passing plays, and a SLB that is stout versus the run and can make plays at the LOS. The attractiveness of this defense is the ability to blitz all 11 players in many different ways. On the average play, 1-2 players are blitzing and the offense can never settle into a pattern that is more likely in a 4-3 base defense. A team must have DBs who can cover but aren’t afraid to hit people and break up plays in the backfield on blitzes.

• Run/Pass %: 49/51
• Run/Pass Attempts: 383/390
• Points Per Game: 21.3
• Points Allowed Per Game: 22.9

Key Returning Players:
• Keith Spencer, QB: Threw for over 2200 yards and 8 TDs in 2010 starting all 12 games at QB. Has a strong grip on the starting spot but must make that next step and become the threat that everyone believes he will someday be.
• Tyshon Goode, WR: Leading returning receiver with 743 yards receiving and 5 TDs in 2010. Has a real chance to have the elusive 1000 yard receiving season with the continual improvement of Spencer at QB and the chemistry already shown between the two.

Key Incoming Freshmen:
• Trayion Durham, RB: This 3 star RB out of Ohio was a big time back in high school and is expected to do great things in his career at Kent State. May steal some carries as a true freshman and make an impact that will take some pressure off the passing game.
• CJ Malauulu, LB: This 2 star JC transfer is expected to push for a spot on the depth chart immediately showing from his excellent play on the JC circuit. If he plays up to potential, he could be more like a 3 star recruit who is a great role player on defense.

Overall Assessment:
Right on the cusp of a bowl berth with a 5-7 record and a game that could have gone either way was frustrating in 2010. Those experiences will be drawn upon with everyone one year older and looking to get back to a bowl game. If there are enough quality defensive players that can step up and take over for the lost starters then a bowl game is in the cards. Best case scenario would be to hit some teams at the right time and pull out an 8-4 record and go bowling again in 2011. Worst case would be a 4-8 record, losing to one of the teams they beat in 2010 and not able to make that move up against the upper level of the MAC. Most likely it will be in the middle with a 7-5 record and another year of going bowling for Kent State.