The 2024 season has not been in the favor of Kent State. The team’s offense currently ranks last in the FBS and has managed to give out 3.37 yards per play. The defense is also in the same spot with 7.48 yards per play. The roster has been lackluster and now going into their game against the Nittany Lions, the Golden Flashes have lost one of their key players.

14.37 on the clock in the first quarter, we find Kent State QB out of the game on a stretcher. After taking a hit during a rush, QB Devin Kargman was seen being taken off on a cart after getting a hit. Kargman fumbled the football, but the Golden Flashes recovered. This does not bode well for the Golden Flashes, though. The team had already lost its season opener against St. Francis, and this loss was followed by the major defeat against Tennessee at 71-0.

With a 55% completion rate this year, Kargman has been one of the only ‘diamond in the rough’ in the team’s roster. Taking a direct hit from Nittany Lions defender Dani Dennis-Sutton, Kargman stayed down on the field, and the paramedics had to intervene. Currently, what we know is that Kargman’s right knee was elevated while he was being taken away. This could mean that he has sustained some serious knee-related injuries or even other ones as well.

This is the first season for Kargman, and the sophomore has managed to lock in 432 yards and 3 passing touchdowns for now. As the team’s backup QB, JD Sherrod will be taking over. However, the biggest concern right now for the Golden Flashes will be dealing with Penn State’s Drew Allar.

Another loss for the Golden Flashes?

While nothing is set in stone, from what we have seen up until now, the Golden Flashes are already handicapped. With their starting QB out, the rest of the roster is barely enough to contain and push back the Nittany Lions offense. It is true that the Lions also have had a rough game this season. However, they still have their ace in the game.

With Drew Allar leading the charge, it’s going to be hard for the Flashes to take this over. Allar managed to bring the win home during the season opener against West Virginia. With 3 TD passes and a 34-12 win over the Mountaineers, Allar managed to show why he should be someone you must keep an eye on.

However, it was against the Green Falcons that proved that Allar can step up when his team needs him the most. CFN’s Cam Mellor had noted, “He’s shown he can take over games when Penn State needs him to.” The 1st quarter against the Falcons felt like Penn State was done for. However, as the Penn State offense and defense started sinking, Allar kept things afloat, and things were quick to switch over to Penn State’s favor, with the game ending with a 34-27 win. With 21-0 on the scoreboard, winning the game feels like a distant dream for the Golden Flashes.

However, what you might find more interesting than Golden Flashes and their games is our new EssentiallySports Think Tank interview with Doug Sanders.