Flashes have much to prove in upcoming season

Credit: Beth Rankin

Getting picked next to last isn’t necessarily a bad thing. It just means you have more to prove.

Kent State football has a lot to prove this season. After bidding farewell to star quarterback Joshua Cribbs, ending last season with a four-game winning streak, recruiting a new quarterback and being picked fourth in the Mid-American Conference News Media Association preseason poll, the Flashes have a bit of pressure leading into the 2005 season.

And then there’s Michigan State.

The Flashes kick off the season in East Lansing, Mich. on Sept. 3. on ESPN Plus.

But where’s the pressure? Last season, Michigan State finished in a tie for seventh place in the Big Ten.

The real pressure is in the rest of the schedule and with the team’s players

One of the team’s biggest opponents of the year is Bowling Green. The Flashes face the Falcons near the end of the season Nov. 5. Bowling Green’s offense will definitely show how much improvement the Flashes’ offense has made since Kent State coach Doug Martin began as head coach for the 2004 season.

Martin’s leadership has helped to completely turn the Flashes around and show the MAC just how much of a presence the Flashes can be in the conference.

This season will be no different. The Flashes’ defense will definitely be a huge presence in the MAC this year. After finishing last year with the No. 1 overall defense in the MAC, the Flashes’ defense hope to dominate the conference once again.

Although the Flashes’ defense looks promising, the Flashes’ offense has a long way to go to prove itself.

With new sophomore quarterback Michael Machen, the offense is facing a complete turnaround from last season’s offense with Cribbs. Machen’s three years in Major League Baseball organizations have led to his reputation as the new passing quarterback as opposed to Cribbs, who was recognized more for his running game.

Machen will have to show just how much of a leader he can be on offense this season. He led his junior college team to a victory in the Valley Sun Bowl last season and could lead the Flashes to a successful season.

The only thing for the Flashes to do is keep improving and show the MAC, and the country, just what Kent State can do.

Contact general assignment reporter Kali Price at [email protected].