Kent State University
4-6 , 3-3
University of Akron
4-7 , 3-4
Flashes Survive Comeback, Win Wagon Wheel in OT Thriller
11/12/2025 12:14:00 AM | Football
AKRON, Ohio – The Wagon Wheel is coming back to Kent.
In a game that tested every ounce of their resolve, the Kent State Golden Flashes outlasted rival Akron 42-35 in overtime Tuesday night at InfoCision Stadium-Summa Field, reclaiming the cherished trophy for the first time since 2022.
Quarterback Dru DeShields threw for 317 yards and five touchdowns, including the game-winner – a 25-yard strike to Ardell Banks on the first play of overtime.
Kent State appeared in control after building a commanding 35-17 lead early in the fourth quarter on DeShields' fourth touchdown pass of the night, a 27-yard connection with Da'Shawn Martin. The Flashes seemed poised to cruise to victory and reclaim their prized possession.
Instead, Akron quarterback Ben Finley orchestrated one of the most improbable comebacks in recent rivalry history. The Zips scored 18 unanswered points in the final 10 minutes of regulation, capped by Israel Polk's 13-yard touchdown reception with 1:59 remaining. Finley then found Marcel Williams on a two-point conversion to tie the game at 35-35.
The Flashes couldn't have asked for a worse start to their final possession. DeShields fumbled the snap on first down, and the offense sputtered, managing just three yards before punting back to Akron with 28 seconds left. The Zips drove to midfield but couldn't convert on fourth down as time expired, sending the game to overtime.
That's when DeShields and Banks delivered the signature moment.
On first-and-10 from the Akron 25, DeShields dropped back and lofted a perfect pass down the right sideline. Banks hauled it in at the two-yard line and dove into the end zone, igniting a wild celebration on the Kent State sideline.
Akron had one last chance, but the Flashes' defense – which had bent throughout the fourth quarter – finally found the resolve to finish. Jordan Gant lost four yards on first down, and after a 10-yard completion, Finley's final two passes fell incomplete. The Wagon Wheel was Kent State's once again.
The victory improved the Flashes to 4-6 overall and 3-3 in MAC play, while Akron fell to 4-7 overall and 3-4 in MAC play.
Offensive Explosion
DeShields was masterful for most of the night, completing 17-of-25 passes for 317 yards without an interception. His five touchdown passes set a new career high, and he spread the wealth among his receivers.
Da'Realyst Clark provided the first highlight when he caught an 89-yard touchdown pass in the second quarter that gave Kent State a 14-10 lead.Â
The Flashes never trailed again until Akron's comeback forced overtime.
Running back Cade Wolford also got into the scoring act with a 43-yard touchdown reception on a halfback swing pass in the third quarter. Tight end Terik Mulder hauled in a seven-yard score, and Martin caught a touchdown pass.
Defense Forces Key Turnover
The Flashes' defense came up with a crucial play in the third quarter when linebacker Terrell Miller intercepted Finley at the Akron 49 and returned it 37 yards to the 13-yard line. Three plays later, DeShields found Mulder for a touchdown that extended Kent State's lead to 28-17.
Kent State's defensive line also dominated for stretches, recording six sacks. Jamond Mathis led the way with 1.5 sacks, while Mason Woods, CJ Young, and Darian Blachewicz each recorded one.
Akron's Furious Rally
Finley was spectacular in defeat, completing 32-of-59 passes for 424 yards and three touchdowns. Wide receiver Marcel Williams was nearly unstoppable, catching 14 passes for 206 yards and two touchdowns.
The Zips controlled possession for 38:40 compared to Kent State's 21:20, and they converted 7-of-19 third downs while going 2-for-4 on fourth down attempts.
Finley's resilience kept Akron in the game. After the Flashes took their 35-17 lead, he led three consecutive scoring drives.
What It Means
For Kent State, the victory keeps a berth in the MAC Championship game and bowl hopes alive, providing crucial momentum heading into the season's final stretch. More importantly, it brings the Wagon Wheel back to Kent for the first time in three years.
The Flashes will need to clean up their late-game execution, but on this night, DeShields and Banks delivered when it counted, and Kent State is bringing the Wagon Wheel home.
Big Plays
SPECIAL TEAMS!
— Kent State Football (@KentStFootball) November 12, 2025
Gus Goodell recovers the muffed punt at the 9.
KSU - 0
TSDTR - 3
?? https://t.co/9MppoE1QCs
?? https://t.co/WEyliKGQAJ
?? https://t.co/S8lqmDLcHa#GoFlashes?? | #HAB1TS pic.twitter.com/Sq8WYh6oQj
HE WILL NOT GO DOWN!
— Kent State Football (@KentStFootball) November 12, 2025
Gavin Garcia refuses to go down and runs it in for a touchdown!
KSU - 7
TSDTR - 3
?? https://t.co/9MppoE1QCs
?? https://t.co/WEyliKGQAJ
?? https://t.co/S8lqmDLcHa#GoFlashes?? | #HAB1TS pic.twitter.com/EQh01Qc2NY
Da'Realyst for Da'Touchdown!
— Kent State Football (@KentStFootball) November 12, 2025
Dru Desheilds connects with Da'Realyst Clark for an 89 yard TD!
KSU - 14
TSDTR - 10
?? https://t.co/9MppoE1QCs
?? https://t.co/WEyliKGQAJ
?? https://t.co/S8lqmDLcHa#GoFlashes?? | #HAB1TS pic.twitter.com/VmWVD8TWeI
HERE COMES THE BOOM!
— Kent State Football (@KentStFootball) November 12, 2025
Mason Woods with the sack!
KSU - 14
TSDTR - 10
?? https://t.co/9MppoE1QCs
?? https://t.co/WEyliKGQAJ
?? https://t.co/S8lqmDLcHa#GoFlashes?? | #HAB1TS pic.twitter.com/SXSd5dpHmc
Back-to-back sacks!
— Kent State Football (@KentStFootball) November 12, 2025
KSU - 14
TSDTR - 10
?? https://t.co/9MppoE1QCs
?? https://t.co/WEyliKGQAJ
?? https://t.co/S8lqmDLcHa#GoFlashes?? | #HAB1TS pic.twitter.com/Vyh1OhjaIy
CADE KNOWS THE WAY!
— Kent State Football (@KentStFootball) November 12, 2025
Cade Wolford gets his 7th touchdown of the season!
KSU - 21
TSDTR - 17
?? https://t.co/9MppoE1iMU
?? https://t.co/WEyliKGiLb
?? https://t.co/S8lqmDKERC#GoFlashes?? | #HAB1TS pic.twitter.com/iLWoqOOKbz
INTERCEPTED!
— Kent State Football (@KentStFootball) November 12, 2025
Terrell Miller with the 3rd quarter interception!
KSU - 21
TSDTR - 17
?? https://t.co/9MppoE1iMU
?? https://t.co/WEyliKGiLb
?? https://t.co/S8lqmDKERC#GoFlashes?? | #HAB1TS pic.twitter.com/EmBk2X6Ykm
TOUCHDOWN FLASHES!
— Kent State Football (@KentStFootball) November 12, 2025
Deshields finds Mulder for the touchdown!
KSU - 28
TSDTR - 17
?? https://t.co/9MppoE1iMU
?? https://t.co/WEyliKGiLb
?? https://t.co/S8lqmDKERC#GoFlashes?? | #HAB1TS pic.twitter.com/uTUKdOjUpO
Fin meet the Dark Side!
— Kent State Football (@KentStFootball) November 12, 2025
CJ Young with sack!
KSU - 28
TSDTR - 17
?? https://t.co/9MppoE1iMU
?? https://t.co/WEyliKGiLb
?? https://t.co/S8lqmDKERC#GoFlashes?? | #HAB1TS pic.twitter.com/y7WAd7bxIj
Deshields ?? Martin
— Kent State Football (@KentStFootball) November 12, 2025
Dru Deshields connects with Da'shawn Martin for a TD!
KSU - 35
TSDTR - 17
?? https://t.co/9MppoE1iMU
?? https://t.co/WEyliKGiLb
?? https://t.co/S8lqmDKERC#GoFlashes?? | #HAB1TS pic.twitter.com/QmaQ9Xk6jC
THAT'S MONEY!??
— Kent State Football (@KentStFootball) November 12, 2025
Ardell Banks brings in the pass from Dru Deshields for the TD!
KSU - 42
TSDTR - 35
?? https://t.co/9MppoE1QCs
?? https://t.co/WEyliKGQAJ
?? https://t.co/S8lqmDLcHa#GoFlashes?? | #HAB1TS pic.twitter.com/J9O60X6Y6B
Be The Difference, Support the Football Excellence Fund
Support Coach Carney and the football program today by donating to the Football Excellence Fund by clicking here.
---
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.
Team Stats
KSU 0, AKR 3
AKR - Schramm,Matthew 29 yd field goal 9 plays, 63 yards, TOP 04:43
KSU 7, AKR 3
KSU - Garcia,Gavin 3 yd run (Hryszko,Will kick), 2 plays, 9 yards, TOP 00:26
KSU 7, AKR 10
AKR - Gant,Jordan 4 yd run (Schramm,Matthew kick), 8 plays, 90 yards, TOP 04:11
KSU 14, AKR 10
KSU - Clark,Da'Realyst 89 yd pass from DeShields,Dru (Hryszko,Will kick) 1 plays, 89 yards, TOP 00:11
KSU 14, AKR 17
AKR - Williams,Marcel 30 yd pass from Finley,Ben (Schramm,Matthew kick) 11 plays, 75 yards, TOP 02:40
KSU 21, AKR 17
KSU - Wolford,Cade 43 yd pass from DeShields,Dru (Hryszko,Will kick) 7 plays, 77 yards, TOP 02:38
KSU 28, AKR 17
KSU - Mulder,Terik 7 yd pass from DeShields,Dru (Hryszko,Will kick) 3 plays, 12 yards, TOP 01:12
KSU 35, AKR 17
KSU - Martin,DaShawn 27 yd pass from DeShields,Dru (Hryszko,Will kick) 2 plays, 31 yards, TOP 00:41
KSU 35, AKR 24
AKR - Williams,Marcel 12 yd pass from Finley,Ben (Schramm,Matthew kick) 10 plays, 75 yards, TOP 03:11
KSU 35, AKR 27
AKR - Schramm,Matthew 20 yd field goal 8 plays, 37 yards, TOP 03:41
KSU 35, AKR 35
AKR - Polk,Israel 13 yd pass from Finley,Ben (Finley,Ben pass) 9 plays, 58 yards, TOP 03:11
KSU 42, AKR 35
KSU - Banks,Ardell 25 yd pass from DeShields,Dru (Hryszko,Will kick) 1 plays, 25 yards, TOP 00:00
