Quarterback

Quarterback Spencer Keith will guide the Golden Flashes offense. The junior has struggled so far on the stat sheet, with three touchdowns and six interceptions. He’s also only averaging 101 yards per game and has a completion percentage of 45.2. The junior quarterback is ranked among the top six of Kent State’s career leaders in six different categories, including 23 career starts, with 16 in a row. The Huskies secondary isn’t paying attention to Keith’s statistics on paper, and will respect his abilities to make plays.

“Football is not a math test,” said NIU defensive back Sean Evans. “You got to come out every day and despite the odds, despite the stats on paper, he could come out and have a really good day.” Grade: D+

Running Back

The true-freshmen duo of Trayion Durham and Anthony Meray have made quite a name for themselves in the Kent State backfield. Both backs have combined for 374 rushing yards this season. Meray scored two rushing touchdowns earlier this year against South Alabama and leads the team with 186 yards, averaging four yards per carry. Durham leads the team in carries with 57, and has yet to find the endzone. Expect the Golden Flashes to also use Jacquise Terry out of the backfield, who is close behind Meray and Durham with 102 yards on 28 carries. Durham has the respect of NIU head coach Dave Doeren heading into this Saturdays matchup. “Offensively, they’ve got a big back that’s running better and better each week: Trayion Durham, who I think is a very good football player,” Doeren said. Grade: C-

Wide Receiver:

Receivers Sam Kirkland and Matthew Hurdle are the top two wideouts for Kent State. Kirkland leads the team in receptions by a comfortable margin at 19. He hasn’t had a big play this season, as his season-long grab is only 21 yards. He also leads the team with 146 receiving yards. Hurdle is third on the team in both receiving yards (80) and catches (10). Tight end Justin Thompson is one of Keith’s favorite targets, with 13 grabs for 83 yards and a touchdown. NIU respects the speed the receiving corps possesses, and the Huskies won’t look past it. “They got some guys that can run,” said Huskies’ safety Tommy Davis. “They’re pretty similar to what Central Michigan did in a lot of ways.” Grade: D+

Offensive Line

The Kent State offensive front-five has smaller lineman than the normal physical statures the Huskies’ front seven have faced this year. Sophomore guard Phil Huff starts at guard and stands in at 6’3″ yet weighs a modest 266 pounds. Junior tackle Josh Kline is the heaviest lineman in the trenches for the Golden Flashes weighing in at 304 pounds. The offensive line blocks for a Kent State offense that currently ranks 117th in the nation in passing yards per game (101) and 111th in the rushing game (89.4 yards per game). The NIU defense could have a good chance of creating havoc in the backfield for both the Golden Flashes’ quarterback and running backs this Saturday. Grade: D