One of the top players in the MAC has his sights on making a quick return to the football field. In an email exchange, a Kent State athletics official tells College Football Talk running back Dri Archer “plans on playing vs. Bowling Green.”
Of course, every player would plan on returning to play in the next game. That is how players are programmed. Time will tell just how quickly Archer’s ankle allows him to get back in the offensive mix.
Archer left Kent State’s Thursday night opener against Liberty with an ankle injury. Archer had an ankle concern leading in to the game but practiced with the team in the days leading up to the opener. Archer had to leave the game in the first half against Liberty. His status had been declared questionable for the remainder of the night and he did not return to the field.
Kent State’s upcoming schedule is a challenge, and could be extra treacherous without Archer in the line-up. Next week Kent State hosts Bowling Green, who dominated defending Conference USA champion Tulsa Thursday night, next weekend on September 7. After Bowling Green, the Golden Flashes will take to the road to take on LSU (September 14) and Penn State on (September 21). Two weeks later, on October 5, Jordan Lynch and defending MAC champion Northern Illinois visits Kent State as well.
If Archer does not come back soon, Kent State could be facing a tough road ahead. Kent State barely got by Liberty at home Thursday night, holding on for a 17-10 victory.