2022 Record 5-7 (4-4 MAC)
2023 MAC Head Coaches Poll: Sixth in MAC East
The Sean Lewis era is over at KSU. Lewis, who took the Golden Flashes to the Mid-American Conference Championship game and a bowl appearance in 2021, is now an offensive coordinator at Colorado. Suffice it to say, there will be both pressure and opportunity there as Head Coach Deion Sanders' Buffalo team will be under a huge national spotlight.
Sanders valued Lewis and his offensive schemes/skills enough to snatch him despite Kent State's 5-7 (4-4 MAC) record in 2022. Despite moving from MAC MVP quarterback Dustin Crum to Collin Schlee last year, the 2022 Flashes finished second among MAC teams in total offense. They were first in rushing (202.8 ypg) and eighth in passing (215.2 ypg).
With both Lewis and Schlee now gone, KSU may not only be turning a page, but skipping a couple chapters. Opponents will need some fresh game tape when preparing for a Flashes matchup.
OFFENSE:
>> Given the fact that Minnesota finished 11th in the nation in rushing last year and has rushed for over 2,000 yards in every full season during Burns' tenure, it is probably a pretty good bet that Kent State will again embrace a strong running attack -- even though it might look different that during the Lewis fast-Flash years.
>> Running back Ky Thomas, a Kansas transfer, looked good in spring work and senior Xavier Williams is back after missing last year due to injury. He averaged 6.5 ypg while gaining 812 yards and scoring three TDs in 2021. His long of 79 yards that year hits at big play potential.
>> Fall camp should help sort out things at quarterback now that Schlee is gone. Sophomore Tommy Ulatowski is among several candidates for the job.
>> There will also be a lot of new faces on the wide receiver two-deep. However, Trell Harris got some starts late last year and finished the campaign with 13 catches for 136 yards with one TD.
>> As for the line, KSU experienced some significant turnover, but transfer Jimto Obidegwu (Temple) could help.
DEFENSE:
>> Fall camp and non-conference action will be important as the defense works in a bevy of transfers. Defensive tackle C.J. West, however, returns up front. At 6-2, 318, he has the size to disrupt things up the middle.
>> Backing up that group is a senior trio of linebackers C.J. Harris, Khali Saunders and Khalib Johns.
Senior D.J. Miller, who registred 63 tackles will join Alex Branch and several transfers in fall battles for secondary spots.
SPECIAL TEAMS:
>> Junior Alex Glass returns afte hitting 17 of 26 field goals with a long of 50 in 2022. He also raised his kickoff average to 54.4 ypk with 18 touchbacks. Josh Smith, meanwhile, averaged 40.28 yards per punt on 43 boots.
FINAL THOUGHTS:
It would be difficult enough to replace the dynamic influence of Sean Lewis. But the Flashes were also hit hard -- and often -- in the transfer portal. Schlee going to UCLA, leading receiver Dante Cephas moving on to Penn State and Marquez Cooper heading to Ball State are just a few of the transfer hits.
There are, of course, transfers coming in, but the massive uncertainties no doubt contributed to MAC coaches picking KSU to finish at the bottom of a pretty talented East Division. The first two conference games are home against Miami and at Ohio. Depending upon the poll, each has been picked to win the division. Burns and his staff will certainly have their work cut out for them.