Kent State University
Clemson University
Flashes Fall at Clemson in Football Opener
9/2/2017 3:28:00 PM | Football, General
CLEMSON, S.C. – Kent State opened the 2017 college football season with a 56-3 loss to the defending national champions at Clemson's Memorial Stadium on Saturday.
"Game one is under our belt. That's probably the biggest thing as far as coming out of a game like we played today," said interim head coach Don Treadwell. "(Clemson) is a tremendous team. We knew that coming in…The good news is you learn so much more about your team in a real game versus as go you through the weeks of preseason.
The Tigers (1-0) jumped ahead quickly with three touchdowns in the first 12 minutes – a 26-yard run by C.J. Fuller, a 61-yard pass from Kelly Bryant to Deon Cain, and a 3-yard run by Adam Choice.
Kent State's highlights included a 37-yard field goal by Shane Hynes, cutting Clemson's lead to 21-3 with 12:15 to play in the second quarter. The drive included runs of seven yards by quarterback Nick Holley and nine yards by wide receiver Mike Carrigan, both moved the chains.
Holley finished with a team-best 53 yards on 10 carries, including a 19-yard scamper that marked the longest play of the day for the Golden Flashes offense. The Flashes offense featured a nearly 5-to-1 tun-to-pass ratio, totaling 119 yards on 44 attempts against just one yard on 1-for-5 combined passing.
"Ball control was certainly a thought going into the game," said Treadwell. "You have a dynamic, explosive offense on the other side, and we wanted to utilize the clock as much as we could in our favor today."
The Kent State defense was led by Matt Bahr, who recorded eight of his team-leading nine tackles in the first half. Quan Robinson claimed the day's only turnover, picking the football out of the air just inside the goal line after teammate Demetrius Monday deflected Bryant's throw for the end zone in the second quarter. The play of Bahr and Robinson was particularly encouraging considering both players were making their debuts at new positions – Bahr moving from safety to linebacker and Robinson from cornerback to safety.
"It's a tribute to those guys to have put themselves in a position where their coaches could say, 'hey look, you can serve a multi use. Let's take a look at you here," said Treadwell. "Maybe it is not where (they) were last year, but they have responded very well. We are pleased with the transition they have made."
Kent State punter Derek Adams turned in a fine performance with a 46.5 average on his 11 kicks. Four of his punts were boomed over 50 yards, including a long of 66.
The Flashes (0-1) return home next week for a Saturday battle with Howard at Dix Stadium. Kickoff for the Parents and Family Day game is scheduled for 3:30 p.m.
Notes
Junior Shane Hynes made his 23rd career field, which ranks sixth among Kent State's all-time leaders.
Senior Nick Holley has rushed for over 50 yards in seven of eight career starts at quarterback.
Sophomore Derek Adams had four punts over 50 yards, including a long off 66 yards.
True freshman Kesean Gamble saw action at both linebacker and running back. He finished with 21 yards rushing and two tackles.
Golden Flashes making their collegiate debut included:
Redshirt freshman kicker Grant Urenovitch, junior nose tackle Anthony McKay, senior defensive tackle Devante Lee, junior defensive end Jordan Robinson, freshman cornerback Elvis Hines, freshman linebacker Sam Thomas, freshman linebacker/running back Kesean Gamble, sophomore guard Nate Warnock, redshirt freshman cornerback Miles Daniel, freshman linebacker Cepeda Phillips, redshirt freshman defensive end Matt Bell, redshirt freshman wide receiver Charles Gamble, redshirt freshman running back Keon Singleton and freshman cornerback KJ Sherald.
