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 Although the Kent State Golden Flashes have had two consecutive losing seasons, they nonetheless have had the Ohio Bobcats’ number in that stretch. Over the past two meetings, the Bobcats have averaged just 8.5 points scored while gaining a total of just 347 yards on offense.
Although the Flashes played spoiler in their 2010 meeting, this week’s matchup will be the first for either in 2011 MAC play. The Flashes have yet to beat an FBS team this season, but Ohio will not be taking them lightly.
“We are changing everything about the way we approach this team, in terms of studying the film, how we are going to attack, and what defense we are going to play,” head coach Frank Solich said.
Solich also is throwing out the stat book on the Flashes, who have faced a brutal non-conference schedule that included games at Alabama and at Kansas State.
“We know they are good athletes and a good physical team,” Solich said. “The stats won’t show that.”
Ohio will look to rebound in a variety of ways. The ground attack recently missed starting running back Donte Harden, who hasn’t played since the second quarter of the Marshall game due to a groin injury. After back-to-back games of rushing for over 200 yards, Ohio was only able to muster 65 against Rutgers. After practicing this week, Harden is ready to get back on the field.
“I am not missing this game for anything,” Harden said. “There is no way they’re getting one (a win) from us three times in a row.”
Harden currently leads the nation in kickoff return average, as he has gained 46.8 yards per return.
Ohio will also be anxiously awaiting news on key defensive players Travis Carrie and Noah Keller. Carrie has been great at cornerback so far in 2011, but he missed most of the Rutgers game after suffering a concussion. Keller had eight tackles last week, but has had numerous nagging injuries throughout the season. Both spent the week practicing with non-contact jerseys. Solich expects both to play, although nothing has been set in stone.
Sophomore Tyler Tettleton looks to continue his good play at quarterback. With Ohio struggling so much on the ground last week, Tettleton had no trouble airing the ball out, throwing for over 300 yards. He is very near the 1,000-yard mark already and is gaining more confidence with every game. He will need to turn in another good performance this week if Ohio wants to begin MAC play 1-0.
Ohio and Kent State will play at Peden Stadium at 2 p.m. Saturday.
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