The Mid-American Conference News Media Association released its preseason football poll yesterday, pegging Kent State with a predicted fourth-place finish in the MAC East division.

Bowling Green, Miami and Buffalo were the teams ahead of the Flashes in the poll, with MAC West favorite Central Michigan picked to win the

conference championship.

Coach Doug Martin said although the team was picked fourth in the division, the media are starting to recognize Kent State’s potential this year.

“People do realize the talent we have,” Martin said. “When you look at a team that has the nation’s No. 1 leading rusher coming back (junior running back Eugene Jarvis) and a quarterback like (Julian) Edelman and the defense that we’ve played the last couple of years, that’s a pretty good recipe.”

Jarvis, who was the third-leading rusher in the nation last year, said he would trade big individual stats for a winning record this season.

“I’ll trade 1,600 yards for a winning season,” Jarvis said, “and all my teammates know that and the coaches as well.”

The team started out strong last season, winning two of its first three games, but lost its final seven games to finish with an overall record of 3-9.

Kent State finished ahead of Temple, Ohio and Akron in the poll.

Contact Thomas Gallick sports reporter at [email protected].