 In Hazell's first season, 2011, the team had two three-game losing streaks, but also had a five-game winning streak in the latter half of the season.Kent State dropped their first three contests, which included losses at eventual BCS national champion Alabama and Kansas State and a home loss to Louisiana-Lafayette.Hazell's first win at Kent State came on September 24, in a 33–25 win over South Alabama at Dix Stadium.