Kent State University
4-7 , 3-4
Central Michigan University
7-4 , 5-2
Golden Flashes Fall to Central Michigan 28-16 in Home Finale
11/19/2025 11:02:00 PM | Football
KENT, Ohio – Kent State dropped its home finale to Central Michigan 28-16 before 8,112 fans at Dix Stadium. The loss dropped Kent State to 4-7 overall and 3-4 in MAC play, while the Chippewas improved to 7-4 overall and 5-2 in MAC play.
Central Michigan dominated the first half, building a 14-0 lead behind a methodical, ball-control offense. The Chippewas' opening drive set the tone – an 18-play, 75-yard marathon that consumed 10 minutes and 53 seconds, culminating in a 1-yard touchdown pass from Joe Labas to Tommy McIntosh. Central Michigan converted three fourth downs on the drive alone.
The Golden Flashes' offense sputtered early. After a holding penalty negated a promising 17-yard run on the game's first play, Kent State managed just seven yards on its opening possession. Things got worse on their second drive when quarterback Dru DeShields was sacked and fumbled, with Central Michigan's Lawai'a Brown recovering at the Kent State 34. The Chippewas capitalized four plays later on a 2-yard Brock Townsend touchdown run, extending their lead to 14-0.
Kent State finally found some rhythm late in the second quarter. After Terrell Miller recorded his second interception of the season at the Flashes' 28-yard line, the offense responded with an 11-play, 52-yard drive. Running back Gavin Garcia provided the spark with a 21-yard run to midfield. Despite a fumble that the Flashes fortunately recovered, Will Hryszko connected on a 36-yard field goal to cut the deficit to 14-3 at halftime.
The third quarter turned into a defensive struggle, with both teams trading punts. Kent State put together a promising 13-play, 79-yard drive that reached the Central Michigan 19-yard line early in the fourth quarter, but Hryszko's 36-yard field goal attempt sailed wide left.
Momentum swung dramatically moments later. After forcing a quick three-and-out, Wayne Harris electrified the home crowd with a 59-yard punt return for a touchdown with 10:38 remaining. The two-point conversion attempt failed, leaving Kent State trailing 14-9.
The Flashes' defense forced another three-and-out, but the offense couldn't capitalize. On fourth-and-seven from their own 37, DeShields was sacked by J.J. Douglas, turning the ball over on downs with under four minutes remaining.
Central Michigan put the game away with two quick touchdowns. Townsend scored on a 10-yard run to cap a 10-play, 75-yard drive, then Labas found a wide-open Decorian Temple for a 19-yard touchdown just 57 seconds later, pushing the lead to 28-9.
DeShields led a late rally, capping a seven-play, 68-yard drive with a 10-yard touchdown run with 1:28 left. But Central Michigan recovered the onside kick and ran out the clock.
DeShields finished 14-of-28 for 185 yards but was sacked four times and lost a fumble. Garcia led the ground game with 77 yards on 15 carries. Da'Shawn Martin caught three passes for 52 yards, while Harris added 56 receiving yards and the punt return touchdown.
Central Michigan's Jordan Kwiatkowski paced the defensive effort with 14 tackles and a sack. The Chippewas controlled time of possession 33:21 to 26:39 and converted 5-of-14 third downs while going a perfect 4-for-4 on fourth-down attempts.
The Golden Flashes will look to close their season on a positive note in their regular-season finale when they travel to play Northern Illinois in the Huskies' final game as a member of the MAC.
Big Plays
INTERCEPTED??
— Kent State Football (@KentStFootball) November 20, 2025
KSU - 0
CMU - 14
?? https://t.co/a4LTJtOoDE
?? https://t.co/WEyliKGiLb
?? https://t.co/S8lqmDKERC#GoFlashes?? | #HAB1TS pic.twitter.com/v5mole99x1
WAYNE HARRIS TO THE HOUSE!
— Kent State Football (@KentStFootball) November 20, 2025
Wayne Harris returns a 59 yard punt for a TD!
KSU - 9
CMU - 14
?? https://t.co/a4LTJtOoDE
?? https://t.co/WEyliKGiLb
?? https://t.co/S8lqmDKERC#GoFlashes?? | #HAB1TS pic.twitter.com/A6zfPDLijC
TOUCHDOWN DESHIELDS!??
— Kent State Football (@KentStFootball) November 20, 2025
KSU - 16
CMU - 28
?? https://t.co/a4LTJtOWtc
?? https://t.co/WEyliKGQAJ
?? https://t.co/S8lqmDLcHa#GoFlashes?? | #HAB1TS pic.twitter.com/34dVSvlYqR
Post Game Press Conference
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Team Stats
CMU 7, KSU 0
CMU - McIntosh,Tommy 1 yd pass from Labas,Joe (Graham,Cade kick) 18 plays, 75 yards, TOP 10:53
CMU 14, KSU 0
CMU - Townsend,Brock 2 yd run (Graham,Cade kick), 8 plays, 34 yards, TOP 04:31
CMU 14, KSU 3
KSU - Hryszko,Will 36 yd field goal 11 plays, 52 yards, TOP 03:22
CMU 14, KSU 9
KSU - Harris,Wayne 59 yd punt return ()
CMU 21, KSU 9
CMU - Townsend,Brock 10 yd run (Graham,Cade kick), 10 plays, 75 yards, TOP 05:57
CMU 28, KSU 9
CMU - Temple,Decorion 19 yd pass from Labas,Joe (Graham,Cade kick) 3 plays, 24 yards, TOP 00:57
CMU 28, KSU 16
KSU - DeShields,Dru 10 yd run (Hryszko,Will kick), 7 plays, 68 yards, TOP 01:29
