Re: The MAC
Here is a current look at the MAC (see link). Below is the report on the Flashes.
Kent St.
INSIDE SLANT
Flashes continue to roll up wins
The Ken State Golden Flashes continue to roll both in and outside of the Mid-American Conference.
A 31-17 win over Army moved the Flashes to 5-1 for the first time since 1973 and only the third time since 1940. Kent State, which has won four straight, is 3-0 in the league and tied with Ohio for first place in the East Division. The Flashes return to league play when they host Western Michigan on Saturday.
Coach Darrell Hazell has a simple explanation for his team's success.
"It's all about preparation," he said. "Our guys have done an unbelievable job coming to work every single day and being mature about it and understanding that the only way to get that next win is by preparing. I think the message is getting across, and we'll go back to work."
Hazell called Kent State's most recent victory "the best of the season so far." The Flashes, paced by running back Dri Archer, had another big day offensively. Archer continued his outstanding season with 222 yards rushing on only 12 carries. The junior's 87-yard touchdown run put the game away early in the fourth quarter.
"Dri is just a special player," Hazell told KentStateSports.com. "Every time you hand him the ball, you expect him to go all the way ... Even when a play isn't blocked so well."
Kent State held the nation's No. 1 rushing offense in check for three quarters. Army rushed for 325 yards, but the defense was in control for most of the game. The Flashes took a 24-3 lead into the fourth quarter before allowing two touchdowns. Nearly half of Army's rushing total came in the final period.
"To come on the road and be able to slow down that offense, which worried me all week long because they were so efficient," Hazell said. "I thought our defense did a phenomenal job, stuffed them the first half."
NOTES, QUOTES
WHAT'S AHEAD: Kent State returns home Saturday, but a matchup against Western Michigan won't be easy. The Broncos are 3-4, but have a high-powered offense that can put a lot of points on the board. A win would give Kent State sole possession of first place in the Mid-American Conference East Division.
--Dri Archer's ability to run the ball has made headlines all season, but he showed off another talent with a 24-yard touchdown pass to quarterback Spencer Keith in the second quarter. The play began with Archer taking a handoff and sweeping toward the right side. He stopped and threw back to the left, where Keith caught the pass and outran a defender to the end zone.
"We saw on film that Army plays a whole lot of man defense and they don't typically account for the quarterback," coach Darrell Hazell told KentStateSports.com. "We expected Spencer to be wide open on that play, but the cornerback made a nice recovery. Dri had to throw a really good pass."
The play was the first pass of Archer's career and the first reception of Keith's career.
--The victory over Army was Kent State's first non-conference road win since the Flashes defeated Iowa State in 2007. Kent State has won three straight road games for the first time since 2006.
--Kent State has not been scored upon in the first quarter this season. The Flashes hold a 27-0 edge in the first period.
KEEP AN EYE ON: Kent State continues to excel when it comes to turnovers. The Golden Flashes are plus-10 in that department through six games. Kent State didn't commit a turnover against Army. Quarterback Spencer Keith completed only six passes but didn't throw an interception. Flashes linebacker Danny Gress recovered a fumble on a fourth down play that ended a drive.
LOOKING GOOD: Kicker Freddy Cortez hit his sixth straight field goal -- a 28-yarder in the third quarter -- against Army. The senior is 9-of-13 this season with a long field goal of 42 yards and hasn't missed since the Buffalo game on Sept. 19.
STILL NEEDS WORK: Kent State's third-down conversion percentage took a step back against Army. The Flashes were 1-of-9 on third downs and are 36-of-92 for the season.
QUOTE TO NOTE: "That was a big win for us. Huge. Number five." -- Kent State coach Darrell Hazell, after the 31-17 win over Army.
STRATEGY AND PERSONNEL
PLAYER NOTES:
--WR Eric Adeyemi caught his first career touchdown pass, a 30-yarder from quarterback Spencer Keith in the first quarter. The gain was also the longest of his career.
--LB Luke Batton recorded a career-high 16 tackles against Army. The senior also had 13 solo stops, another career best.
--P Anthony Melchiori punted six times for a 44.8-yard average against Army. He had a career-high punt of 59 yards and also had a 52-yarder. Melchiori had three punts inside the 20-yard line.
ROSTER REPORT
--LB Andre Parker returned to action against Army after missing two games with a sprained ankle. He recorded four tackles.
--CB Norman Wolfe has missed the last four games because of a broken arm sustained against Kentucky.
--WR Tyshon Goode is expected to miss the rest of the season because of a hamstring injury. The senior has yet to play in 2012.
Around the Mid American Conference
