NCAA Football Wagering – Kent State Golden Flashes
by Dave D
college football betting season.
Overall, the Golden Flashes have lost 13 of their last 17 games and are only 2-11 against MAC opponents. The cupboard is pretty bare this season and the Golden Flashes could easily finish in the MAC East basement.
Offense
To be fair, the Golden Flashes did endure some injuries last year, which obviously cut into their win total.
For example, they lost their top three quarterbacks to injury. This year, Julian Edelman returns as the starter
Edelman is one of the better playmakers in the MAC and one of the better dual-threat quarterbacks in the conference. While he can run, he is only an adequate passer, though. And furthermore, there aren’t any dangerous wideouts on this roster either.
The lone offensive threat is the ground game, be it from Edelman or speedy running back Eugene Jarvis. At 5’5, Jarvis is diminutive but he is the best weapon on the offense.
This is a unit that had turnovers problems last year. Their turnover ratio was dead last in the conference and 110th in the nation.
The bottom line is the passing game is about 11 bagels short of a dozen – a regular dozen, not a baker’s dozen – and with just a running game, the Golden Flashes don’t have enough on offense.
Defense
The defensive line was pretty good for the Golden Flashes last year and was the catalyst for the defense. One key loss is Colin Ferrell (not the actor). He was tied for the most sacks on the team.
The front seven is undersized as a unit, but they are decent. Derek Burrell, who led the team with 112 tackles last year, was an All-MAC third-teamer and returns as a senior this year.
While the front seven is a veteran, the secondary is very inexperienced. The secondary has to replace two key contributors from last year, Jack Williams and Fritz Jacques. Williams led the team with three interceptions.
After a solid performance in 2006, the secondary was shredded last year because it had to replace veterans. Now it appears that the story repeats itself as we head into 2008.
Outlook
There is not a lot to like about the Golden Flashes this year. Their offense is limited and one-dimensional. Have a healthy quarterback will help, but Edelman is a runner, not a passer.
The defense was able to keep the team in close games last year but has lost some more key members like Ferrell, Williams and Jacques.
They won three games last year and will be in that same neighborhood again this year.
Futures in our sportsbook today in the Future / props section!
