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Kent State Golden Flashes NCAA Football Gambling Odds & Predictions

2012-13 Football Previews – (MAC) – Kent St.

Darrell Hazzell took the Kent State job before last season, and the team proceeded to start 0-6 against FBS competitors. In those six games, the Golden Flashes averaged a pathetic 7 points per game on the offensive end. By the end of the year, the Golden Flashes had a 5-7 record and some momentum heading into the 2012 season.

MAC 2012-2013 College Football Previews: Kent State
Head Coach: Darrell Hazell
2011 Record: 4-8
Kent State Gambling Odds from JustBet to win BCS Championship: (Part of Field) +1,800
Kent State Gambling Odds from 5Dimes to win MAC: +1,000
Kent State Gambling Odds from 5Dimes to win MAC East: +400
Kent St. Team Page – Players Stats – Roster – 2012 Schedule –>

Kent State has only played in one bowl game in the history of the football program. The obvious goal for this team is to be the second team to reach the postseason. The offense might still be a problem, but the team seems to be heading in the right direction. Let’s take a look at this year’s roster.

Team Strengths:

Kent State’s defensive line is a major area of strength. Roosevelt Nix is one of the best defensive tackles that you probably haven’t heard much about in the past. Jake Dooley is lightning quick off the defensive end spot. Kent State piled up 27.5 tackles for loss in 2011. The Golden Flashes also forced six fumbles. This defensive front is probably the best in the MAC.

The Golden Flashes secondary is extremely skilled. The depth in this group looks like it would for a power conference team. Both safeties have tons of experience and depth. Three of four starters are back from a year ago in this secondary, and the “new” guys here are experienced.

The linebackers don’t have as much depth, but Kent State has two stars at this position. C.J. Malauulu and Luke Batton are both big time play makers in the middle of the defense. [soliloquy id=”82219″]

Team Weaknesses:

Just as the entire defense was a strength, the entire offense really is a weakness. Spencer Keith completed just 51% of his passes last year, and he makes too many mistakes. Keith has to do a better job taking care of the football if this team is going to win consistently. He is a scrambler, but sometimes he holds onto the ball too long and takes big sacks. Better decision making from the quarterback spot is a must.

Kent State is a little bit weak at the wide receiver position. The Golden Flashes lost their top three pass catchers from last season. The team’s leading returner receiver had only 24 catches a year ago. Kent State has some ability to run the ball, but they will have to keep people honest with the pass.

2012-2013 Kent State Football Prediction: 5-7

Kent State is a very hard team to get a read on heading into 2012. The defense should keep them in almost every game they play, but can the offense put them over the top? They’ll need the running game to be terrific, and they need to win the turnover battle. The non-conference schedule isn’t particularly tough, so it is possible that they’ll get to a bowl game. I think 5 or 6 wins is the most likely season outcome for the Golden Flashes.

2012 Kent State Schedule

8/30/12 7:00 PM ET TOW
9/8/12 7:30 PM ET @KENTY
9/19/12 7:00 PM ET @BUFF
9/29/12 12:00 PM ET BALST
10/6/12 1:00 PM ET @EMICH
10/13/12 12:00 PM ET @ARMY
10/20/12 3:30 PM ET WMICH
10/27/12 3:30 PM ET @RUTG
11/3/12 2:00 PM ET AKR
11/10/12 1:00 PM ET @MIAOH
11/17/12 12:00 PM ET @BGREN
11/23/12 TBD OHIO

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By Kyle Hunter

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