| Year: | 1997 |
| Team: | Kent State Golden Flashes |
| Sport: | football |
| Conference: | Mid-American Conference |
| Division: | East Division |
| Short Conf: | MAC |
| Record: | 3–8 |
| Conf Record: | 3–5 |
| Head Coach: | Jim Corrigall |
| Hc Year: | 4th |
| Off Coach: | Charley Molnar |
| Oc Year: | 4th |
| Stadium: | Dix Stadium |
The 1997 Kent State Golden Flashes football team was an American football team that represented Kent State University in the Mid-American Conference (MAC) during the 1997 NCAA Division I-A football season. In their fifth and final season under head coach Jim Corrigall, the Golden Flashes compiled a 3–8 record (3–5 against MAC opponents), finished in a tie for fourth place in the MAC East, and were outscored by all opponents by a combined total of 490 to 337.[1] [2]
The team's statistical leaders included running back Astron Whatley with 876 rushing yards, quarterback Jose Davis with 2,707 passing yards, and wide receiver Eugene Baker with 1,549 receiving yards.[3] [4] Four Kent State players were selected as first-team All-MAC players: Whatley, Baker, offensive guard Bob Hallen, and offensive tackle Steve Zahursky.[5]