2012 Pre-Season Preview: Kent State Golden Flashes

2011 Record: (5-7, 4-4 in MAC) Head Coach: Darrell Hazell (second year head coach) Last Bowl Game: 1972 Tangerine Bowl: lost to Tampa 21-18   Schedule Glimpse: 2012 Schedule Link Big Name Opponents: 9/8 at Kentucky, 10/27 at Rutgers Must Win: 8/30 vs Towson, 9/19 at Buffalo, 11/3 vs Akron Revenge: 11/10 at Miami (OH), 11/23 vs Ohio   Statistical Snapshot: 2011 Statistical Link Stat to Cheer: +1.00 turnover margin (#2 in the MAC) Stat to Fear: converted just 28% of third downs (116th in Nation) and 25% in losses (115th) Personnel: Phil Steele's Returning Starters (Offense: 8; Defense: 6; Specialists: 1) Key Defensive Returnees: LB Luke Batton (102 tackles), LB C.J. Malauulu (83 tackles), DE Jake Dooley (5 sacks), S Luke Wollet (4 INTs) Key Offensive Returnees: QB Spencer Keith (11 TD, 8 INT), RB Trayion Durham (630 yds, 4 TD) Top Recruits: K Anthony Melchiori (Scout.com's #14 K), RB Julian Durden (#68 RB)   Verdict: It's been eleven years sinc...