Kent State Ties Program History With 0-12 Season
The Kent State Golden Flashes football team can be summed up in one word this year; terrible. Last in the FBS in rushing yards averaging 56.7 per game, last in total offense at 231 yards per game, and last in total defense allowing 521 yards per game. Quarterback for Kent State, Tommy Ulatowski, did his part to try and help the team by throwing for over 1,200 yards in 12 games, however, he was held back by a 45 percent completion percentage and eight interceptions. Everyone will look at the quarterback first in a situation like this and say is he to blame. The stats say that he is part of the problem but not the entire problem.
The defense was atrocious as you would expect with an 0-12 team. Just look at these scorelines, 71-0, 56-0, 41-0. These losses are to Tennessee, Penn State, and the University of Ohio respectively. These three scores weren't just a bad couple weeks though by the Kent State defense. They had a point differential of -362! They were allowing opponents to average 44.1 pts per game. That clearly is a sign that something is not working. If your defense can't stop anyone it doesn't matter how good your offense is you don't have a chance.
Overall, this season wasn't just a blip in the system for the Golden Flashes. In fact, they have now lost 21 straight games. This ties a program record dating back to 1981-1983. Kent State has also had previous winless seasons in 1982 and 1989, as well as in 1993 and 1998. So this isn't just a one-time thing for Kent State football and their fans. They have been bad before, but this might take it to a new level. I would think with the transfer portal and so many new players coming in, there wouldn't be seasons like this happening but I was proven wrong. However, the Golden Flashes must lift their heads up and look towards next season. The coach of Kent St, Kenni Burns, led the team to a 1-11 record last year in his first season as head coach and now officially a 0-12 season. Kent State will likely be looking for a different coach in the off-season and it will hopefully bring different results.
