Merrimack starts his season on the road in Kent State on Saturday, the first of two FBS opponents according to the schedule of the Warriors.
On paper, the matchup looks like an opportunity. Statistically, State was one of the worst programs in FBS Football a year ago. The golden flashes went 0-12 and were surpassed with an average of 32.4 points per match.
The struggles have also not been a one -year -old blip. Kent State went 1-32 in the last 33 games that go back to the middle of the 2023 season, a stunning piece of uselessness.
The following image uses 2024 statistics
Kent State will open the season with a new face that is in charge. Mark CarneyLast year’s attacking coordinator takes over Kenni BurnsIt was rejected for contract violations.
Carney’s turnout has been fast. He joined the Golden Flits in 2023 as tight ends and wide recipient coach, moved to the chair of the coordinator in 2024 and now notices that he runs the entire program. Carney, a former Quarterback from Fordham, has leaned on well -known tires to reform his selection.
This includes a key transfer to the most important position on the field. Carney went to the portal to get Quarterback CJ Montes Van Fordham and Montes are expected to start Saturday’s opener.
Montes set up strong numbers for the rams in 2023 and threw for 3000 yards and 26 touchdowns. But last season he unraveled early, when an injury in the third game sidelined him for the year. Before he went down, Montes had completed 34 of 66 passes for 333 Yards.
Merrimack comes in the season with many familiar faces at the skill positions, giving the Warriors a base of continuity while they go into the opener of Saturday.
Quarterback Ayden Pereira is back to lead the attack, and he will have experienced goals in Jalen McDonald And Seth Sweitzerwho are expected to start with a broad recipient. Redshirt second -year Austin Palmer is hungry as the third starting route.
“Ayden has an incredible camp, especially from a leadership perspective,” head coach Mike Gennetti told The Eagle Tribune. “His approach, his mentality and showing leadership skills throughout the winter, spring and summer really bring us into a position where we really have confident in him.”
The Achterveld has a fresh look. Last year the Warriors leaned heavily on Jermaine CorbettBut after his graduation, the Junior’s job seems to be belonging Brendon Wyatt. A year ago he showed flashes of Big-Play skills in limited action, on average 8.7 yards per Carry while he hurried for 187 yards and three touchdowns on just 21 attempts.
In the front, however, the photo is different. Outside the right tackle Beau LanzidelleThe attacking line has been completely rebuilt. Logan WylieA transfer from East -Texas A&M is expected to start in the middle Tommy Dickinson On the right guard. On the left, the Warriors will roll out a few second -year students in Tackle Steve Lizama and guard Lakee’s steel.
On paper this is more than just a profitable game for Merrimack – it’s a real chance to make noise against an FBS opponent. Kent State was statistically one of the worst programs in the country last season, and although the Golden Flits have yielded many new faces, the coherence does not happen overnight. Week 1 is often where the cracks see, especially for a team that is still trying to find out.
We saw it last year when the Warriors opened against the Air Force. That Falcons team was miles better than what the Golden Flits put on the field this season, but the game still emphasized how messy things can look out of the gate. Air Force defeated the Warriors 21-6, but Merrimack covered the spread with more than two touchdowns.
Vegas seems to agree that Merrimack has a real shot. A year ago the Warriors were written off as 30-point underdogs at Air Force. This Saturday? Kent State is favored with only 6.5 points. And if you take the standard three points oddmakers the home team, the line suggests that the flashes are seen as little more than a field goal better than Merrimack on neutral turf.
Put it all together, and this is not a case of “hope to keep it close.” The figures, the matchup and the timing all point to a real chance for Merrimack to know, Ohio, with his first victory over an FBS opponent.
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