Golden Flashes Rally Past Bowling Green 24-21 in Thrilling Comeback

Saturday, October 25

Kent, Ohio

12 PM

Kent State University

3-5 , 2-2

Bowling Green

3-5 , 1-3

1st

2nd

3rd

4th

Bowling Green

Kent St.

Golden Flashes Rally Past Bowling Green 24-21 in Thrilling Comeback

10/25/2025 4:49:00 PM | Football

KENT, Ohio – Kent State erased an 18-point deficit to defeat Bowling Green 24-21 on Saturday afternoon at Dix Stadium, snapping a two-game losing streak in the rivalry series.

The Golden Flashes (3-5, 2-2 MAC) trailed 21-3 late in the third quarter before scoring 21 unanswered points to claim their first victory over the Falcons since a 40-6 triumph in Bowling Green on November 9, 2022.

Fourth Quarter Heroics

Wide receiver Da'Realyst Clark delivered the game-winning score, hitting Wayne Harris on a 12-yard touchdown pass with 3:15 remaining to cap a seven-play, 62-yard drive. The scoring strike made Clark the only player in the nation this season to record both a kick return touchdown and a passing touchdown.

Harris's game-winner was redemption after dropping a potential touchdown pass in the first quarter that would have tied the game. The Flashes kicked a field goal on that drive to cut the deficit to 7-3.

Big Play Cade

Cade Wolford proved to be big for the Flashes again, catching the first touchdown of the game on a 29-yard catch up the seam to cut the lead 21-10. Wolford later caught a 37-yard pass in the fourth that helped set up the game-winning touchdown. Wolford's touchdown today gives him six on the season.

Garcia's Explosive Play

The momentum shifted dramatically in the third quarter when Gavin Garcia ripped off a career-long 45-yard touchdown run on the first play of a drive at the 4:33 mark. The explosive play, which was reviewed and upheld, cut Bowling Green's lead to 21-17 and energized the Flashes.

Garcia finished with 53 rushing yards on six carries, averaging 8.8 yards per attempt.

Defensive Resilience

The Golden Flashes' defense stiffened when it mattered most, holding Bowling Green scoreless in the fourth quarter. Joel Cordoba and CJ Young led the unit with 12 total tackles, while Jelani Davis recorded two sacks for 12 yards. AJ Campbell contributed a sack and a forced fumble.

Kent State limited Bowling Green to 42 yards of total offense in the final period and forced a crucial turnover on downs at the KSU 39-yard line with 1:07 remaining. Then, the defense stopped the Falcons on their final drive, including the last play of the game, which resulted in an incomplete pass.

Overcoming Adversity

The Falcons (3-5, 1-3 MAC) dominated the first half and early third quarter, building their 21-3 advantage on the strength of 379 total yards and a 36:52 to 23:08 edge in time of possession. Baron May threw for 142 yards and a touchdown while Austin Dendy rushed for 93 yards and scored for Bowling Green.

But Kent State's defense made critical fourth-quarter stops, including a missed 43-yard field goal attempt by Jackson Kleather at the 14:56 mark that kept the Falcons' lead at three.

The Golden Flashes converted 4 of 12 third downs and both of their fourth-down attempts, including a crucial conversion by Nubin in the fourth quarter that set up Clark's game-winning touchdown pass.

Kent State will have a bye this week before traveling to Ball State for some Midweek MACtion on Wednesday, November 5.

Big Plays

Jelani Davis bringing the pressure early in the game!

KSU - 0
BGSU - 0
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— Kent State Football (@KentStFootball) October 25, 2025

CADE WOLFORD TD!

DeShields finds Cade up the seam for a 29-yard touchdown.

KSU - 10
BGSU - 21
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?? https://t.co/S8lqmDKERC #GoFlashes?? | #HAB1TS pic.twitter.com/ztu0MreWcL
— Kent State Football (@KentStFootball) October 25, 2025

GAVIN GARCIA 45-YARDS TO THE CRIB!

KSU - 17
BGSU - 21
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?? https://t.co/S8lqmDKERC #GoFlashes?? | #HAB1TS pic.twitter.com/9yZaOoXxuW
— Kent State Football (@KentStFootball) October 25, 2025

DA'REALYST WITH DA'TOUCHDOWN THROW TO 6 FOR 6!

KSU - 24
BGSU - 21
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?? https://t.co/S8lqmDKERC #GoFlashes?? | #HAB1TS pic.twitter.com/Kg9CJnydqB
— Kent State Football (@KentStFootball) October 25, 2025

JELANI DAVIS WITH THE SACK!

KSU - 24
BGSU - 21
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?? https://t.co/WEyliKGiLb
?? https://t.co/S8lqmDKERC #GoFlashes?? | #HAB1TS pic.twitter.com/PiwejuEHo6
— Kent State Football (@KentStFootball) October 25, 2025

Post Game Press Conference

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