Check out our Q&A with Matt Sussman of Hustle Belt in Part I of our Kent State Gameweek pulse. Today we catch up with Ryan Lewis who exclusively covers Kent State for Ohio.com.

1. Of the 6 seasons under the direction of Doug Martin, Kent State has managed to post a winning record in MAC play just once. But with 16 starters returning from a team that went 5-7 (4-4 MAC East) last season what can people reasonably expect out of this Kent State team? Will they actually be legitimate contenders for the MAC East title?

People can reasonably expect the Flashes to to grab a bowl birth for the first time since 1972. This team won 5 games last season, largely with a freshman quarterback in Spencer Keith–not to mention his favorite target, Tyshon Goode, was also in his first year of play. With a year under their belts, it’s likely the chemistry leads to some solid numbers during MAC play. KSU will also see the return of All-MAC running back Eugene Jarvis (who has the most career rushing cars of any FBS player) after he missed nearly all of 2009 with a lacerated kidney. The defense is very experienced, very dangerous and with a great pass rush is one of the strongest in the conference. KSU has the best kicking tandem in the conference in Freddy Cortez and Matt Rinehart.

2. Turnovers absolutely eliminated any shot Kent State had at upsetting Boston College last weekend. But even with 5 turnovers, including 3 interceptions and 2 fumble, Kent State managed to head into halftime just down 6-3. What does Kent State need to do for any shot at the upset against the Nittany Lions?

1. Take care of the ball–turnovers have been a problem for Kent State in each of the first two games this season.
2. Apply pressure on the quarterback–KSU is known for consistently disrupting plays in the back field, but pass-specialist Monte Simmons is out with a fractured fibula.
3. Maintain a two-dimensional offense. Last week, without Jarvis (who should be out for this week as well), the running game was grounded. Kent doesn’t have a shot if PSU knows the pass is coming from play to play.

3. Kent State was absolutely anemic on the ground last week going just 4 yards on 17 attempts. However, that was without the services of all-conference running back Eugene Jarvis who is nursing a groin injury. Word is that he is not expected to return against Penn State as well. Do the Golden Flashes have any hope on the ground against a stout Penn State ground D this weekend? Who else should the Nittany Lions be concerned with on offense?

Most likely, no. Jacquise Terry filled in for Jarvis nicely last season, but he’s the most dangerous as a receiver (Terry is used as the team’s four receiver). Dri Archer will also see some carries. Both are very fast, powerful runners. Tyshon Goode is Keith’s go-to receiver, but split-end Sam Kirkland had nine catches for 126 yards and a score in the season’s opener.

4. Against Boston College, Kent State defense managed to hold the Eagles to just 2.2 yards per rush with 87 total yards on 40 attempts. A stark contrast to the 188 rushing yards the Eagles rolled up in Week 1. Although they struggled against the passing attack of Dave Shinskie, they still managed to limit the Eagles offense to 2 touchdowns and 4 field goals. Can this just be considered an aberration or a testament to Kent State’s defense that returned 7 starters from the year before? Who do the Lions need to be most concerned with on Kent State’s defense?

This KSU defense is for real (as far as the Mid-American Conference goes). The front seven is very undersized, very fast and very experienced. Again, losing Simmons will hurt. Middle linebacker Cobrani Mixon will be an All-MAC linebacker. Dorian Wood and Luke Batton, the outside linebackers (weak and strong, respectively) both had very strong games last week. The most dangerous player on that side of the ball is free safety Brian Lainhart, who is the career leader in interceptions in the FBS (he had seven last year.

The weak spot for the defense is the corner spot opposite Josh Pleasant. For now, it’s being split by Norman Wolfe Jr. and Kirk Belgrave. Wolfe had an INT last week, but more credit could be attributed to Dorian Wood, who pressured BC quarterback Dave Shinskie.

5. Finally, your score prediction for the game.

Penn State 33, Kent State 13

I would like to thank Ryan Lewis for taking the time to answer our questions. His dedication to such a niche audience is highly commendable. One can only imagine the struggles of covering a small time athletics program full time. Check out his coverage over at Ohio.com for further coverage of Kent State. You can also follow him on twitter. Don’t forget to read Part I of our Kent State Gameweek Pulse