Sept. 18: Kent State
Last meeting: 32-10 Penn State, 2003
All-time: 2-0, Penn State
2009 record: 5-7
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Following what will assuredly be a bruising game with Alabama the week before, the Lions should be able to heal up a little bit the next week against Kent State.
The Golden Flashes don’t showcase much offense, especially on the ground. They managed just 3.5 yards per carry during 2009 and were 101st in rushing offense. Leading rusher Jacquise Terry managed just 649 yards and had 21 carries over his last three games of the season.
Through the air, though, the Golden Flashes are a little more potent, starring record-breaking wide receiver Tyshon Goode. As a freshman last season, Goode caught 53 balls for 755 yards and five scores, all freshmen records. During a three-game stretch in 2009, Goode had 435 yards receiving and four touchdowns. Tossing Goode the ball last season was fellow freshman record-setter Spencer Keith, who set the school’s passing yardage and touchdown records with 2,147 and 14, respectively.
Against an inexperienced Penn State secondary, Kent State’s sophomore duo could put up some nice numbers. The key for the Lions will be for the defensive line to generate pressure on Keith, limiting his time to connect with Goode. If not, the Flashes have the potential to hang around for a half and put a scare into the Lions.