To say offense has been an issue for Kent State this season would be a slight understatement.
The Golden Flashes (1-6, 0-3 Mid-American Conference) are at or near the bottom of the nation in most offensive statistical categories, which has largely contributed to their worst start since 2008, when they also started 1-6.
Facing a BG defense that held a high-powered Temple attack to 10 points last week, Kent State certainly doesn’t have circumstances stacked in its favor.
The Flashes are 119th in the nation – out of 120 teams – in both passing yards (105.3) and rushing yards (75.3) per game. They are last in the nation in points per game with 10.7.
Kent’s offense has been so bad this season that it has negatively impacted its defense. Kent’s 28 points per game allowed is 73rd in the nation, but it is 20th in the nation in total defense, allowing 318.9 yards per game.
The Flashes had as tough of a start as anyone this season, facing off against No. 2 Alabama in Tuscaloosa, Ala. While Kent did some good things in that game, namely forcing five turnovers, it still lost, 48-7.
Things haven’t gotten much smoother since that game, as Kent’s only victory has come against FCS South Alabama, 33-25. That game was also the only time this season the Flashes have scored more than 12 points in a game.
The Flashes lost non-conference games to No. 8 Kansas State, who was unranked at the time of the game, and Louisiana-Lafayette. They have dropped conference games to Ohio, Northern Illinois and Miami.
One potential saving grace for Kent State is the aggressiveness of its defense. The Flashes have a plus-two turnover rate, forcing 18 turnovers – eight interceptions, 10 fumbles – in seven games.
Three players on Kent’s defense each have two interceptions: Luke Wollet, Norman Wolfe and Josh Pleasant.
The front seven is paced by C.J. Malauulu, who leads the team with 3.5 sacks on the season.
The lack of offensive production, however has essentially rendered the defense helpless this year.
As a team, Kent is only completing 43.7 percent of its passes, averaging 3.46 yards per attempt, and has a 1-to-3 touchdown-to-interception ratio.
The run game hasn’t been much better, as it is averaging 2.1 yards per carry on 248 attempts.
The Flashes have even struggled breaking off a big play, as their longest play of the season has only gone for 28 yards.
The Flashes do have some players who can do damage, however namely senior receiver Sam Kirkland.
Kirkland has caught 24 passes this season, but hasn’t found the end zone. He is averaging 8.8 yards per reception.
