Washington Huskies opponent preview: Week 1 – Kent State

Herb Nightengale   |  

Sep 2, 2022

• Share on Facebook
• Share on Twitter
• Share via Email

The Washington Huskies begin their 2022 football season this Saturday at Husky Stadium against Kent State. Here is a look at their opponent.

This season the Washington Huskies have a new coaching staff and quarterback. First-year Head Coach Kalen DeBoer brings along a new offense led by QB Michael Penix Jr., a transfer from Indiana. The offense should be much less vanilla than it was under the previous regime.

UW’s defense has the same formation as last year with two interior linemen, two edge rushers, two inside linebackers, two safeties, two cornerbacks, and a nickel or “Husky” back.

Let’s look at Washington’s opponent this week, the Kent State Golden Flashes.

Kent State is in the Mid-American Conference. Last year they finished 7-7, winning all their games at home, 5-0 while going 2-6 on the road, and finished first in their division.

Kent State Offense

The Golden Flashes run an uptempo offense very similar to what Washington will do this season. Quarterback Collin Schlee takes over the offense after spending the last two seasons as a backup.

A dual threat, Schlee ran 20 times last year in limited action (8 games), gaining 127 yards and scoring 3 touchdowns in eight games. Through the air, he was 17 of 24 for 124 yards with 1 touchdown and no interceptions.

Behind Schlee in the backfield is the team’s leading rusher from 2021. Marquez Cooper ran for 1,205 yards (5.0 yards per carry) and 11 touchdowns in 2021. His backup Bryan Bradford averaged 4.5 YPC and can break a long run at any time. Those numbers look daunting to Washington Huskies’ defense that had great difficulty stopping the run last season.

Kent State runs most of its offense in a three-wide receiver set. They are projected to start Dante Cephas, Devontez Walker, and Raymond James on Saturday. Cephus, a redshirt junior, is the only returning starter in the trio. Last year he caught 82 passes for 1240 yards and 9 touchdowns.

Kent State Defense

On defense, Kent State uses a 4-3 base. Most of the starting defense is graduate transfers who come to their new team with plenty of experience.

Their strength, much like the Huskies, is at defensive back. Their two cornerbacks are returning seniors. Monte Miller is a player to watch. Last season he had 47 tackles and interceptions. On the opposite side is Capone Blue, who steps up as a starter after being a backup last season. Look for Washington Huskies quarterback Michael Penix to pick on him early.

At rover back is graduate transfer Nico Bolden who comes to KSU from New Mexico. He was outstanding for the Wolfpack last year with 85 tackles and a pair of interceptions. After missing the last two seasons due to injuries, Antwaine Richardson starts at free safety.

The Golden Flashes have a wealth of experience on the defensive front. They need it to improve on the 205.9 rushing yards per game they allowed in 2021.

Defensive end Zayin West is a grad student, and his opposite is senior Saivon Taylor-Davis. Inside, defensive tackle Sekou Diaby is also a grad student; he’s paired with junior CJ West, a returning starter.

While Kent State has a trio of mature linebackers, they don’t necessarily bring much game experience. Khalib Johns, a graduate student steps in as the starting middle linebacker. He is flanked by Murray state grad transfer Marvin Pierre and Syracuse grad transfer Juan Wallace. Despite their ages, the three linebackers have a combined 109 career tackles.

Although they enter the game as a 23-point favorite, the Washington Huskies will have their hands full this weekend. Several pundits think Kent State will not only cover but also win the game.

After the Washington Huskies’ upset loss to Montana in last year’s season opener, DeBoer will have his team ready to play on Saturday. Go Dawgs!