Flashes to Make Return Trip to Mobile Saturday
10/15/2013 2:46:00 PM | Football
Game Notes in PDF ESPN3 Live Stats
Kent State returns to the site of its first bowl appearance in 40 years when the Golden Flashes take on South Alabama Saturday at Ladd-Peebles Stadium. The Flashes were one late fourth down stop away from knocking off Ball State (6-1) on the road this past Saturday. Kent State opponents in its five losses carry a combined record of 27-6.
Facts In A Flash
• Kent State is closing out a stretch of five road games in five other states (La., Pa. Mich., Ind., Ala.) over six weeks.
• The Flashes are making their second appearance in 10 months at Ladd-Peebles Stadium following Jan. 6 matchup in the GoDaddy.com Bowl.
• Kent State has won each of its last four non-conference regular season matchups against opponents from non-BCS conferences.
• In their last two road games, the Golden Flashes are averaging 24.5 first downs.
• Junior Chris Humphrey's nine catches at Ball State were the most by a KSU player since 2011.
• Senior Dri Archer scored his 33rd career touchdown (11th receiving) at Ball State.
• Junior tailback Trayion Durham has run for 313 yards and two touchdowns in his last three games.
• Redshirt freshman Colin Reardon ran for a career-high 71 yards at Ball State and had his most accurate passing outing (19-of-24) to date.
• Junior Anthony Meray scored his first touchdown in 29 games.
• Senior Roosevelt Nix is second among active FBS players in career tackles for loss (59.0), fifth in forced fumbles (10) and 14th in sacks (21.5).
• Senior Tyshon Goode recently surpassed 2,000 yards receiving and is in second place among Kent State's career reception leaders with 159.
• Senior safety Luke Wollet has made two interceptions in the last three games.
• On Tuesday, Roosevelt Nix, Luke Wollet and Anthony Melchiori were named to Phil Steele's Midseason All-MAC First Team.
All-time vs. USA & Sun Belt
Kent State won its only meeting with South Alabama in 2011, 33-25. The Flashes jumped out to a 33-7 lead, before the Jaguars put up 18 unanswered. Anthony Meray ran for 64 yards and two touchdowns, while Trayion Durham ran for 72 yards. Luke Wollet had two interceptions and Tyshon Goode had a touchdown grab. Kent State fell 17-13 to Arkansas State in the GoDaddy.com Bowl in its last matchup against a Sun Belt opponent. KSU is 2-3 against current Sun Belt teams with a pair of losses against Louisiana-Lafayette and a win over Louisiana-Monroe.
TV/Video/Radio
Saturday's game can be seen on ESPN3 with Drew Fellios (play-by-play) and Forrest Conoly (color).
All Kent State games can be heard live on 640 WHLO and Golden Flashes Radio on iHeartRadio. Ty Linder will handle the play-by-play duties and is joined in the booth for the fourth year in a row by color analyst Rob Polinsky. Matt Miller is the sideline reporter. The iHeartRadio channel works on a PC, smart phone or tablet.
WebSite, Twitter & Youtube
For Kent State football stories, statistics, photos, video and more, visit KentStateSports.com. For daily football updates follow @ksuathletics on Twitter. For an extensive video library visit the GoldenFlashesTV channel on YouTube.
The Coaches
• Paul Haynes became the first Kent State head coach to win his debut since 1988, a feat not accomplished by the previous five head coaches. Haynes was a two-time all-conference defensive back at Kent State from 1987-91, despite joining as a walk-on. He returned to his alma mater as an assistant coach in 1999 and was promoted to assistant head coach in 2000. After seven seasons on an Ohio State staff that won six Big Ten titles (2005-11), Haynes spent the 2012 season as defensive coordinator at Arkansas. (For a complete Haynes bio see page 11)
• Joey Jones (Alabama '89) is in his fifth season at South Alabama and sixth season as a college head coach. Jones oversaw the program's inception in 2009 and its transition to becoming an FBS program and member of the Sun Belt Conference. The Jaguars have gone 27-18 since 2009. Last season, four players earned All-Sun Belt honors. Prior to USA, Jones helped restart Birmingham-Southern's program in 2007. He was also a high school head coach for 13 seasons. As a player, he was an All-SEC wide receiver at Alabama.
Turnover Turnaround
In its first three games, Kent State's only takeaway came on special teams. The defense's first forced turnover came in the seocnd half of game four at Penn State. The Flashes followed with two turnovers against both Western Michigan and Northern Illinois and a season-high three turnovers at Ball State, giving KSU eight takeways in 14 quarters.
Buckling Down in Redzone
Ball State was 17th in the nation in redzone offense heading into last Saturday, but the Kent State defense allowed just two Cardinal scores on five trips to the redzone. The previous week, Northern Illinois was held scoreless in the redzone twice.
Homecoming Guests
Saturday will be Kent State's third straight contest in a 2013 Homecoming game. Last October, the Golden Flashes spoiled homecomings for Eastern Michigan (41-14), Army (31-17) and No. 15 Rutgers (35-24).
Making the Defense Work
The Kent State offense has been held to three-and-outs only twice in each of the last three games. In their three games prior, the Flashes totaled 12 three-and-outs.
Good Day to be a Fackler
Senior defensive end Mark Fackler tipped three balls at the line of scrimmage against Ball State, one of which was intercepted by Darius Polk. Fackler added three solo tackles. Younger brother and redshirt freshman Brice Fackler picked up 34 yards on a fake punt, his first career carry.
Horning Answers the Call
Junior walk-on punter Andrew Horning made his first career appearance at Ball State and looked like a veteran. Horning averaged 42.8 yards on four punts, none of which were returned.
...Keeping KSU among Best
With a strong punt coverage team along side them Horning and Anthony Melchiori have the Flashes third in the nation in net punting at 42.5.
Miller Makes Debut
An injury to Melchiori led not only to Horning's first appearance, but the first appearance by redshirt freshman kicker Brad Miller, who went 2-for-2 on extra points and made a fourth quarter field goal.
Previewing South Alabama
• The Jaguars (2-3) enter Saturday a bit more rested than Kent State, coming off their second bye week of the season.
• South Alabama has suffered a pair of one-point losses and a down-to-the wire, seven-point loss at Tennessee.
• Three Jaguar backs are averaging over 5.0 yards per carry.
• In its last game, South Alabama put up 630 yards of offense, including 471 yards passing. The Jaguars also racked up 30 first downs.
• South Alabama ranks 45th in the nation in total offense and 35th in turnovers lost.
• The Jaguars also rank in the nation's top 40 in sacks per game, kickoff return average and kickoff defense.
Key Players To Watch
• Senior quarterback Ross Metheny has completed 62 percent of his passes for 1,065 yards and five touchdowns. He is also second on the team in rushing with 221 yards and a team-high six touchdowns.
• Junior receiver Shavarez Smith made six catches at Troy for 106 of his team-high 370 receiving yards on the season.
• In his last game against Kent State, senior wideout Brynt Lavender caught five passes for 97 yards. In his most recent game, Lavender caught three passes for 68 yards and a touchdown.
• Senior cornerback Tyrell Pearson has two of the team's seven interceptions in five games.
• Senior defensive tackle Romelle Jones leads the Jaguars with 4.5 sacks and 6.5 tackles for loss.
• Redshirt freshman kicker Aleem Sunanon has connected on three field goals of 42 or more yards.
Kent State returns to the site of its first bowl appearance in 40 years when the Golden Flashes take on South Alabama Saturday at Ladd-Peebles Stadium. The Flashes were one late fourth down stop away from knocking off Ball State (6-1) on the road this past Saturday. Kent State opponents in its five losses carry a combined record of 27-6.
Facts In A Flash
• Kent State is closing out a stretch of five road games in five other states (La., Pa. Mich., Ind., Ala.) over six weeks.
• The Flashes are making their second appearance in 10 months at Ladd-Peebles Stadium following Jan. 6 matchup in the GoDaddy.com Bowl.
• Kent State has won each of its last four non-conference regular season matchups against opponents from non-BCS conferences.
• In their last two road games, the Golden Flashes are averaging 24.5 first downs.
• Junior Chris Humphrey's nine catches at Ball State were the most by a KSU player since 2011.
• Senior Dri Archer scored his 33rd career touchdown (11th receiving) at Ball State.
• Junior tailback Trayion Durham has run for 313 yards and two touchdowns in his last three games.
• Redshirt freshman Colin Reardon ran for a career-high 71 yards at Ball State and had his most accurate passing outing (19-of-24) to date.
• Junior Anthony Meray scored his first touchdown in 29 games.
• Senior Roosevelt Nix is second among active FBS players in career tackles for loss (59.0), fifth in forced fumbles (10) and 14th in sacks (21.5).
• Senior Tyshon Goode recently surpassed 2,000 yards receiving and is in second place among Kent State's career reception leaders with 159.
• Senior safety Luke Wollet has made two interceptions in the last three games.
• On Tuesday, Roosevelt Nix, Luke Wollet and Anthony Melchiori were named to Phil Steele's Midseason All-MAC First Team.
All-time vs. USA & Sun Belt
Kent State won its only meeting with South Alabama in 2011, 33-25. The Flashes jumped out to a 33-7 lead, before the Jaguars put up 18 unanswered. Anthony Meray ran for 64 yards and two touchdowns, while Trayion Durham ran for 72 yards. Luke Wollet had two interceptions and Tyshon Goode had a touchdown grab. Kent State fell 17-13 to Arkansas State in the GoDaddy.com Bowl in its last matchup against a Sun Belt opponent. KSU is 2-3 against current Sun Belt teams with a pair of losses against Louisiana-Lafayette and a win over Louisiana-Monroe.
TV/Video/Radio
Saturday's game can be seen on ESPN3 with Drew Fellios (play-by-play) and Forrest Conoly (color).
All Kent State games can be heard live on 640 WHLO and Golden Flashes Radio on iHeartRadio. Ty Linder will handle the play-by-play duties and is joined in the booth for the fourth year in a row by color analyst Rob Polinsky. Matt Miller is the sideline reporter. The iHeartRadio channel works on a PC, smart phone or tablet.
WebSite, Twitter & Youtube
For Kent State football stories, statistics, photos, video and more, visit KentStateSports.com. For daily football updates follow @ksuathletics on Twitter. For an extensive video library visit the GoldenFlashesTV channel on YouTube.
The Coaches
• Paul Haynes became the first Kent State head coach to win his debut since 1988, a feat not accomplished by the previous five head coaches. Haynes was a two-time all-conference defensive back at Kent State from 1987-91, despite joining as a walk-on. He returned to his alma mater as an assistant coach in 1999 and was promoted to assistant head coach in 2000. After seven seasons on an Ohio State staff that won six Big Ten titles (2005-11), Haynes spent the 2012 season as defensive coordinator at Arkansas. (For a complete Haynes bio see page 11)
• Joey Jones (Alabama '89) is in his fifth season at South Alabama and sixth season as a college head coach. Jones oversaw the program's inception in 2009 and its transition to becoming an FBS program and member of the Sun Belt Conference. The Jaguars have gone 27-18 since 2009. Last season, four players earned All-Sun Belt honors. Prior to USA, Jones helped restart Birmingham-Southern's program in 2007. He was also a high school head coach for 13 seasons. As a player, he was an All-SEC wide receiver at Alabama.
Turnover Turnaround
In its first three games, Kent State's only takeaway came on special teams. The defense's first forced turnover came in the seocnd half of game four at Penn State. The Flashes followed with two turnovers against both Western Michigan and Northern Illinois and a season-high three turnovers at Ball State, giving KSU eight takeways in 14 quarters.
Buckling Down in Redzone
Ball State was 17th in the nation in redzone offense heading into last Saturday, but the Kent State defense allowed just two Cardinal scores on five trips to the redzone. The previous week, Northern Illinois was held scoreless in the redzone twice.
Homecoming Guests
Saturday will be Kent State's third straight contest in a 2013 Homecoming game. Last October, the Golden Flashes spoiled homecomings for Eastern Michigan (41-14), Army (31-17) and No. 15 Rutgers (35-24).
Making the Defense Work
The Kent State offense has been held to three-and-outs only twice in each of the last three games. In their three games prior, the Flashes totaled 12 three-and-outs.
Good Day to be a Fackler
Senior defensive end Mark Fackler tipped three balls at the line of scrimmage against Ball State, one of which was intercepted by Darius Polk. Fackler added three solo tackles. Younger brother and redshirt freshman Brice Fackler picked up 34 yards on a fake punt, his first career carry.
Horning Answers the Call
Junior walk-on punter Andrew Horning made his first career appearance at Ball State and looked like a veteran. Horning averaged 42.8 yards on four punts, none of which were returned.
...Keeping KSU among Best
With a strong punt coverage team along side them Horning and Anthony Melchiori have the Flashes third in the nation in net punting at 42.5.
Miller Makes Debut
An injury to Melchiori led not only to Horning's first appearance, but the first appearance by redshirt freshman kicker Brad Miller, who went 2-for-2 on extra points and made a fourth quarter field goal.
Previewing South Alabama
• The Jaguars (2-3) enter Saturday a bit more rested than Kent State, coming off their second bye week of the season.
• South Alabama has suffered a pair of one-point losses and a down-to-the wire, seven-point loss at Tennessee.
• Three Jaguar backs are averaging over 5.0 yards per carry.
• In its last game, South Alabama put up 630 yards of offense, including 471 yards passing. The Jaguars also racked up 30 first downs.
• South Alabama ranks 45th in the nation in total offense and 35th in turnovers lost.
• The Jaguars also rank in the nation's top 40 in sacks per game, kickoff return average and kickoff defense.
Key Players To Watch
• Senior quarterback Ross Metheny has completed 62 percent of his passes for 1,065 yards and five touchdowns. He is also second on the team in rushing with 221 yards and a team-high six touchdowns.
• Junior receiver Shavarez Smith made six catches at Troy for 106 of his team-high 370 receiving yards on the season.
• In his last game against Kent State, senior wideout Brynt Lavender caught five passes for 97 yards. In his most recent game, Lavender caught three passes for 68 yards and a touchdown.
• Senior cornerback Tyrell Pearson has two of the team's seven interceptions in five games.
• Senior defensive tackle Romelle Jones leads the Jaguars with 4.5 sacks and 6.5 tackles for loss.
• Redshirt freshman kicker Aleem Sunanon has connected on three field goals of 42 or more yards.
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