Kent State University
Bowling Green
Golden Flashes return to Dix Stadium to host Bowling Green
10/24/2025 10:32:00 AM | Football
KENT, Ohio – The Kent State Golden Flashes (2-5, 1-2 MAC) look to snap a two-game losing streak to Bowling Green (3-4, 1-2 MAC) when they host the Falcons in the 93rd meeting between these two Mid-American Conference rivals on Saturday at noon at Dix Stadium.
Series History
This marks the 93rd time these two programs have met, with Bowling Green holding a 62-24-6 advantage in the all-time series. The Falcons have won the last two meetings, including a 27-6 victory in their most recent matchup in 2024. Kent State will look to reverse its fortunes in this storied rivalry as both teams seek to climb the MAC standings.
Kent State Looking to Bounce Back
The Golden Flashes enter this rivalry matchup coming off a difficult 45-10 loss at Toledo, but will look to build on their offensive performance from their 42-6 victory over Massachusetts two weeks ago. Quarterback Dru DeShields has been a bright spot despite the team's struggles, completing 56.90% of his passes for 949 yards and 10 touchdowns in six games. His passing efficiency rating of 150.62 ranks second in the MAC, and he leads the conference in yards per completion at 14.38 yards per catch.
Wide receiver Cade Wolford continues to be DeShields' top target and a game-breaking threat, hauling 13 receptions for 329 yards and a team-leading five touchdowns. Wolford's 25.31 yards per catch leads the team and ranks among the MAC's best. Fellow receiver Da'Shawn Martin has also been productive with 14 catches for 209 yards and two scores.
On the ground, running back Gavin Garcia has carried the load with 268 yards on 82 attempts, while Jordan Nubin has led the Flashes since his return at Oklahoma with 159 yards on 35 carries and a touchdown.
Defensively, the Flashes have struggled, allowing 38.7 points per game. Linebacker Mason Woods leads the team with 47 total tackles and one sack, while CJ Young has contributed 46 tackles, one interception, and a forced fumble. The defense will need a much stronger performance against a Bowling Green offense that has shown balance and big-play capability.
Da'Realyst Clark has been a difference maker for the Flashes as he leads the nation with two kick return touchdowns and is third in the nation, averaging 30.6 yards per return.
Bowling Green Brings Balanced Attack
The Falcons enter Kent coming off a 27-6 loss to Central Michigan, but enter the game with notable victories over Toledo and Liberty. Bowling Green features one of the MAC's most explosive players in kick returner Cameron Pettaway, who leads the nation with a 33.0-yard average and has already returned one kickoff for a touchdown. Pettaway also contributes as a running back with 248 yards and two receiving touchdowns, making him an all-purpose threat averaging 111.86 yards per game.
Quarterback Drew Pyne has completed 64.44% of his passes for 830 yards and four touchdowns in five games, while running back Chris McMillian provides a physical rushing presence with 267 yards and three touchdowns on the ground.
Defensively, linebacker Gideon Lampron anchors the Falcons with a team-high 70 total tackles, 8.5 tackles for loss, and 1.5 sacks. The Bowling Green defense has been stout, allowing just 25.6 points per game and forcing 11 turnovers. Safety Kal-El Pascal adds 47 tackles and has an interception and two forced fumbles.
Special teams could play a pivotal role, as Bowling Green kicker Jackson Kleather has been nearly automatic, converting 14 of 15 field goal attempts, including two from 50-plus yards.
Keys to the Game
- Protect DeShields and give him time to connect with Wolford and Martin on deep shots
- Establish the running game with Garcia and Nubin to control the clock and keep Bowling Green's offense off the field
- Limit Pettaway's impact in the return game and contain him in space
- Force turnovers—Bowling Green has given the ball away nine times this season
Fans may purchase tickets to the game by visiting KSUtix.com. The first 2,000 fans will receive a Kent State camo hat. The two teams kick off at 12:00 p.m. Eastern on ESPN+.Â
Kent State Press Conference
Bowling Green Press Conference
---
Follow Kent State Football
For complete coverage of Kent State Athletics, download the official Kent State Golden Flashes app (iOS, Android) and follow the Golden Flashes on social media on X, Instagram, and Facebook for news and updates.
