The first game of the season finally arrived last week, as the Kent State Golden Flashes football squad made its 2010 debut after a month of preseason practice. The Flashes were victorious in a big way, as they crushed Murray State by a tally of 41 to 10.

When the team ran out onto the Dix Stadium turf Thursday night to take on Murray State University, many of the players were the same -- the Flashes returned 15 starters -- but a great deal had changed around them.

"There's a whole different atmosphere around the program this year," says seventh-year head coach Doug Martin. "Our new administration has really placed an emphasis on promoting Kent State football on campus and in the community. Based on the turnout and the enthusiasm at our Fan Experience night, it's obvious that people are buying into it."

Under the umbrella of the 90Ksu: Everyone Counts initiative, Kent State's Department of Intercollegiate Athletics spent the summer selling tickets, raising awareness and generally working to change the atmosphere before, during and after games at Dix Stadium.

That all starts with the new pre-game tailgate in the Kent State Field House that will be highlighted by the Flash Walk two hours prior to kickoff when fans have the chance to greet the team as they arrive at the stadium. Filled with food vendors, inflatables, a student tailgate section (including Greek Village), a private donor area, a group picnic space, a pair of 14-foot television screens and much more, the Field House is a one-stop tailgate destination.

The Kent State squad was led by a quintet of returning All-Mid-American Conference (MAC) performers. On the offensive side of the ball, senior running back Eugene Jarvis is the nation's leading returning rusher and is rapidly approaching the school's career rushing record. Defensively, senior free safety Brian Lainhart leads the country in career interceptions, while seniors Cobrani Mixon and Monte' Simmons combine to provide a fierce one-two punch at linebacker and defensive end, respectively. The final returning All-MAC honoree is junior punter Matt Rinehart.

The Golden Flashes next play at home for the Homecoming showdown against The University of Akron. That contest takes place on Oct.9, with a 3:30 kick off.

For more information about fall football excitement, visit www.90Ksu.com or call the Department of Intercollegiate Athletics Ticket Office at 330-672-2244.