Meet the Opposition-Kent State Golden Flashes

On Saturday September 10th, Louisiana’s Ragin Cajuns will make a trip to Kent, Ohio to take on the Kent State Golden Flashes. Kent State is coming off a 5-7 season under then first year coach Darrell Hazell. Last season the Flashes relied heavily on Defense, but with several starters gone, the Offense has to step up Bigtime this season.

One of the most popular places to eat in Kent is the Franklin Square Deli. It provides some of the finest Italian Submarines on the planet. Try "The Destroyer" if you dare. It provides 10 different meats and about 7 different cheeses. There are also most of your big name chain motels in the area for you to stay over.

Offense

Last season the Golden Flashes basically won games because of their defense. This year alot more is expected out of the Flashes Spread Offense. Back is Quarterback Spencer Keith. The 6ft3 215lb Keith was 215/364 for 2212yds with 8tds and 11ints. He needs to improve on those numbers. Also back is leading rusher Jacquise Terry. Last year he rushed 151 times for 610yds and 7tds. For a change of pace, the Flashes can counter with 5ft 7 speedster Dri Archer. At Receiver, leading receiver Tyshon Goode returns, coming off a 59 rec 743yd 5tds season. Also returning is number 2 WR Sam Kirkland. He returns after a 56rec 599yd 1td campaign. The Offensive Line should be solid, returning 4 starters including potential All Conference Center Chris Anzevino, a 6ft2 305lb monster.

Defense

Several members of the Flashes great Defensive unit from last year are gone, but returning is the MAC Freshman of the Year Roosevelt Nix. Last season, Nix had 43 tackles, 10sacks, and 4FF as a Freshman. At times he is a dominate player. Also returning are Jake Dooley, coming off of a 35 tackle 3.5 sack campaign, as well as Lee Stalker who pitched in with 27 tackles and 1.5 sacks. Only one Linebacker returns in Luke Batton. He finished last season with 68 tackles. Two Seniors are gonna fill the other two LB spots, but neither made much of an impact last year. The secondary will be solid, returning starter Norman Wolfe at Safety is the best player back there, having 75 tackles and 5Ints. Also returning is CB Josh Pleasant, who pitched in with 45 tackles and 2Ints.

Gametime

While this wont be a gimme, this is a game the Cajuns have to have if their dreams of making a bowl game are to be intact. They should be able to score points, and if the Defense is able to stop the Flashes on Offense, the Cajuns can leave with the W. The biggest challenge will be slowing down DT Roosevelt Nix and establishing a running game. Do that, and and Cajuns Will leave Kent, Ohio a winner.