Kent State University
Ball State University
Mark Carney Era Officially Begins as Kent State Travels to Ball State
11/4/2025 3:33:00 PM | Football
MUNCIE, Ind. – The Kent State Golden Flashes (3-5, 2-2 MAC) travel to face the Ball State Cardinals (3-5, 2-2 MAC) on Wednesday night at Scheumann Stadium in a crucial midweek MACtion game. Kickoff is set for 7 p.m. Eastern on ESPNU.
Series History
This marks the 33rd meeting between these two programs, with Ball State holding a 24-8 edge in the all-time series. The Cardinals have won the last three contests, including a 37-35 victory in 2024.Â
Mark Carney's New Era Begins
Wednesday's game marks a historic moment for Kent State football as Mark Carney coaches his first game after having the interim tag removed on October 30, 2025. Carney has been with the program through its recent challenges and now has the opportunity to guide the Flashes forward with full authority as they seek to establish momentum in the final stretch of the season.
Flashes Look to Build on Recent Success
The Flashes enter Wednesday's contest with renewed confidence after a comeback 24-21 victory vs. Bowling Green.
Quarterback Dru DeShields continues to be one of the MAC's most efficient signal-callers when healthy, posting a 148.2 passer rating that ranks second in the conference. He's completed 57.25% of his passes for 1,109 yards and 11 touchdowns in seven games. DeShields also ranks second in the MAC in passing yards per completion at 14.04, demonstrating the Flashes' ability to strike quickly through the air.
Wide receiver Cade Wolford has emerged as one of the conference's premier deep threats, hauling in 15 receptions for 395 yards and six touchdowns. His 26.33 yards per catch lead the team and rank among the MAC's best, making him a constant home run threat.
The ground game features running back Gavin Garcia, who has amassed 321 yards on 88 attempts with one touchdown. Jordan Nubin has provided a boost since returning from injury, averaging 4.0 yards per carry with 196 yards and a score in four games.
Special teams have been a bright spot for Kent State, as Da'Realyst Clark leads the nation with two kickoff return touchdowns and boasts an impressive 29.54 yards per return. His explosive ability gives the Flashes a chance to change field position or score on any kick. Clark has also started to make more plays in the offense after throwing the game-winning touchdown versus Bowling Green.
Defensively, CJ Young anchors the unit with 58 total tackles, 4.5 tackles for loss, one sack, and one interception. Mason Woods has contributed 56 tackles and leads a defense that ranks first in the nation in fourth-down conversion percentage defense at just 18.18%.
Ball State Looking to Defend Home Turf
The Cardinals come in having split their last six games, most recently falling 21-7 at Northern Illinois. Ball State's offense has struggled to find consistency, averaging just 16.4 points per game, which ranks 128th nationally. However, they have averaged 32 points per game at home, as they have not lost a home game this season.
Dual-threat quarterback Kiael Kelly leads the Cardinals' offense, throwing for 982 yards and six touchdowns while adding 417 rushing yards and five scores on the ground.Â
The Cardinals feature a balanced rushing attack with Qua Ashley (513 yards, four touchdowns) and Kelly combining to carry the load. Ashley averages a solid 5.1 yards per carry and provides 64.1 rushing yards per game. Wide receiver Qian Magwood leads the receiving corps with 238 yards and one touchdown on 13 catches.
Defensively, Ball State is led by linebacker Alfred Chea and Nathan Voorhis, who have combined for 81 tackles. Voorhis has been particularly disruptive with 13 tackles for loss and a MAC-leading 10 sacks.
Keys to the Game
- Protect the football—Kent State has turned it over eight times this season and cannot afford to give Ball State short fields.
- Establish the running game early to set up play-action opportunities for DeShields and Wolford's deep shots.
- Win the special teams battle—Clark's return ability could be a game-changer if the Flashes can create opportunities.
- Get pressure on Kiael Kelly without allowing him to escape the pocket and create with his legs.
- Take advantage of scoring opportunities in the red zone.
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.
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