Let’s be honest. Kent State is bad. The Golden Flashes are 0-2 this year and 1-13 ever since Kenni Burns took over. However, Tennessee Football is under contract and still has to play this game, so the Vols need to do everything they can to make sure it’s in hand early. Here are the five players for KSU they need to key on in order to make sure that happens.
5. Devin Kargman, QB
Kent State can’t run the ball. They may have the worst rushing offense in the nation, and the Vols have one of the best defensive lines. That means they’re going to throw it all over the field. Devin Kargman has thrown 66 passes through two games, completing 36 of them for 374 yards, three touchdowns and two picks. UT’s secondary is still a bit questionable, and it’ll get worked a lot in this game, so watch out.
4. Kameron Olds, DE
If there’s one positive for Kent State to this point defensively it’s that they’ve had a bit of a pass rush. Tennessee Football, meanwhile, has been inconsistent at tackle at times. That should allow for Kameron Olds, who has made quite a few plays this year, a shot at one again. Olds has three and a half tackles for a loss, three sacks, a pass deflection and 10 total tackles, six of which were solo.
3. Stephen Daley, DE
Joining Kameron Olds on the edge as a guy who could make plays will be the main starter at defensive end, Stephen Daley. So far this year, Daley is third on the team with 13 tackles, five of which were solo. He’s got three tackles for a loss, a sack, a pass deflection and a fumble recover. Again, Daley could have a shot at a big play if there’s a bust, so the Vols need to contain him.
2. Chrishon McCray, WR
Let’s take a look at the one First Team All-MAC player Kent State had last year. Chrishon McCray had 41 catches for 610 yards and four touchdowns last year. This year, he’s got nine catches for 94 yards and two touchdowns. At 5’10” 163 pounds, McCray is a sneaky receiver who can make surprising plays at times, so Tennessee Football has to keep an eye on him.
1. Luke Floriea, WR
Another 5’10” receiver, Luke Floriea, who weighs 168 pounds, has had a breakout start to the season. He’s got 12 catches for 196 yards and two touchdowns. Last year, he was third team All-MAC. These two receivers are Kent State’s two best players, and with them not running the ball, they’ll give the Tennessee Football defensive backs some work, so the Vols need to watch for them more than anybody else.
