Recordpub.com - KSU tailback Terry expected back for Temple

Kent State running back Jacquise Terry should return from a sprained medial collateral ligament in his left knee in time to play Nov. 21 at Temple University.

Terry injured the knee Saturday on a first-quarter hit by University of Akron defensive lineman Deni Odofin. He returned briefly in the second quarter but spent the second half of the 28-20 loss watching from the sideline in street clothes.

After a 25-yard run on the first play of the game, Terry was dropped behind the line on several carries before finishing with just 18 yards on seven attempts.

As a team, KSU managed just 38 yards on 21 rushing attempts.

“I was really disappointed with the way we ran the football,” said Martin. “It was everything. It wasn’t just losing Jacquise. We didn’t establish anything up front. We didn’t get a push.”

With Akron’s front seven dominating KSU’s offensive line, the Flashes were forced into a one-dimensional offense that led to freshman quarterback Spencer Keith throwing the ball 59 times.

“We are not at a place offensively where we can ask a freshman quarterback and a couple other freshmen (wide receivers) to go out there and throw the ball 60-some times a game,” said Martin. “That’s just not us. That really put a lot of stress on us.”

The Flashes did find a spark from Terry’s backup, true freshman Dri Archer — but that came in the passing game.

Archer caught eight passes for 90 yards, including one for a 22-yard touchdown late in the first half.

KSU’s backfield has already been stretched thin since senior star Eugene Jarvis suffered a season-ending injury in Week 2. Fortunately, the upcoming bye week will give Terry almost two full weeks to heal before the Flashes travel to Temple.

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REPLAY WOES — Kent State came up 0-for-3 on plays reviewed by instant replay during Saturday’s loss.

The most painful took six points off the scoreboard after Flashes safety Dan Hartman returned an apparent fumble 77 yards for a touchdown late in the third quarter.

The officials got the play right. Replay proved that the elbow of Akron wide receiver Jeremy Bruce had touched the turf before he fumbled the ball. In college football, when an elbow is ruled down, it’s exactly the same as a knee touching down.

Martin didn’t complain about the ruling after the game, but he did lament, “We are about 0-for-90 on those (instant replays).”

He probably isn’t far off. Replays, ruled both correctly and incorrectly, always seem to go against Kent State, including the incorrect decision that helped Akron beat Kent State in last year’s rivalry game at Kent State.

As it turns out, a Daryn Bowser touchdown catch that put the Zips ahead 24-21 with 1:28 to play in the fourth quarter should have been ruled incomplete. Bowser made the catch with two feet down, but clearly failed to maintain possession as he fell to the ground.

MAC officials used the incorrect replay ruling as a training tool during the preseason.

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ANOTHER OPPORTUNITY — Kent State used the pain of a heartbreaking loss to Bowling Green earlier in the season to spur a three-game win streak that put them into contention in the Mid-American Conference East Division race.

Saturday’s loss means the now third-place Flashes will need some outside help to back into a division title. A winning season, however, is still within reach and there may be a chance at a bowl bid if the Flashes can win their final two games and finish the year at 7-5.

To accomplish those goals, KSU will try to use the memory of Saturday’s disappointment to spark another turnaround.

“This taste will be fresh in our mouth,” said safety Brian Lainhart. “It’s not good to have a sour taste going in your mouth, but we are going to learn from it and we are going to be a better team against Temple.”

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DIFFERENT MEANINGS — After Saturday’s game Akron quarterback Patrick Nicely and defensive back Miguel Graham said the Zips took as much pleasure in spoiling KSU’s chances at a division title as they did in winning their first MAC game and maintaining possession of the Wagon Wheel trophy.

“We ruined them and we win the Wagon Wheel,” said Nicely, wearing a wide grin in the post-game press conference.

Coaches always have a different perspective. Playing the role of spoiler meant nothing to Akron head coach J.D. Brookhart. For him, satisfaction was found only in seeing his players finally enjoy a post-game celebration and in his team holding onto the Wagon Wheel.

“For me, it’s strictly (about) the rivalry game and these kids,” Brookhart said. “Good luck to Doug (Martin). He’s done a nice job with his program. Give Laing something of a swan song here. It’s something different for me.”

Brookhart was referring to Kent State athletic director Laing Kennedy, who will retire at the end of the school year after 16 years in Kent. While KSU athletics have enjoyed success in every other area in that period, Kennedy has witnessed just one winning football season.

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David Carducci can be reached at dcarducci@recordpub.com