Kenni Burns Faces Daunting Task as Kent State Heads to Knoxville

Kenni Burns, the head coach of the Kent State Golden Flashes, is facing a significant challenge as his team prepares to take on the sixth-ranked Tennessee Volunteers. After a disappointing 1-11 season last year, the Golden Flashes have started the 2024 campaign with losses against Pitt and FCS opponent St. Francis. The task ahead only gets more daunting as they travel to Neyland Stadium to face a Tennessee team that has been dominant in its first two games, outscoring its opponents by a combined score of 120-13.

Overcoming the Odds: Kent State's Uphill Battle Against the Vols

Slowing Down Tennessee's Offensive Juggernaut

Kenni Burns acknowledges the immense challenge his defense faces in trying to slow down Tennessee's high-powered offense. The Volunteers' quarterback, Nico Iamaleava, has been playing at a very high level, and the team has scored over 50 points in its first two games. Burns emphasizes the importance of tackling effectively and limiting the Volunteers' explosive plays. He also recognizes that Tennessee's passing attack is just as dangerous as their run game, making it a difficult task to focus solely on one aspect of their offense.To combat this, Burns suggests that the best defense for Kent State may be a strong offense. He believes the Golden Flashes need to play complementary football, keeping Tennessee's offense off the field and finding ways to sustain drives and hold onto the ball. This will be crucial in preventing the Volunteers from dominating the time of possession and wearing down Kent State's defense.

Handling the Hostile Environment at Neyland Stadium

Kenni Burns acknowledges the challenge of playing in the raucous environment of Neyland Stadium, home of the Tennessee Volunteers. He emphasizes the importance of his team staying focused on the task at hand and not getting caught up in the atmosphere. Burns plans to simulate the noise and volume during practice to help his players prepare for the game-day experience.Despite the daunting task, Burns sees this as a great opportunity for his young team to redeem themselves after the previous week's disappointment. He believes his players are eager to show their true abilities and compete against a top-10 team like Tennessee. Burns is confident that his team's experience in facing a fast-paced offense against Pitt will help them handle the Volunteers' high-tempo attack.

Identifying Tennessee's Defensive Strengths

Kenni Burns is well aware of the talent and discipline on Tennessee's defense. He highlights the Volunteers' defensive line as a particular area of concern, acknowledging that his team will have its hands full trying to find ways to move the ball effectively.To counter Tennessee's stifling defense, Burns plans to utilize the Golden Flashes' run-pass option (RPO) game and quick passing attack to try to put stress on the Volunteers' defenders. He emphasizes the importance of getting the ball out of the quarterback's hands quickly and utilizing the team's running back, Ky Thomas, to establish a consistent ground game.Burns also suggests that Tennessee may employ a press-man coverage scheme, which could create challenges for Kent State's receivers. However, he believes there are ways to take advantage of this approach if the Volunteers choose to go that route.

The Recipe for Success: Discipline, Execution, and Limiting Mistakes

Kenni Burns understands that to have a chance against the sixth-ranked Volunteers, his team must be disciplined, execute at a high level, and limit mistakes. He emphasizes the importance of protecting the ball on offense, tackling effectively on defense, and finding ways to create turnovers.Burns also stresses the need for his team to be methodical in their approach, staying on schedule in the run game and making high-percentage throws in the passing game. He believes that if Kent State can avoid falling behind early and keep the game close, they may have a chance to make it a competitive contest in the fourth quarter.Ultimately, Kenni Burns and the Golden Flashes face a daunting task, but the head coach remains confident that his team can rise to the occasion and give Tennessee a tough battle. With a focus on execution, discipline, and creative game planning, Kent State will look to pull off the upset and provide a glimmer of hope for a turnaround season.