Kent State University
3-6 , 2-3
Ball State University
4-5 , 3-2
Flashes Fall 17-13 at Ball State Despite Late Comeback Effort
11/5/2025 10:45:00 PM | Football
MUNCIE, Ind. – Kent State's self-inflicted wounds proved too costly to overcome as the Golden Flashes fell 17-13 to Ball State at Scheumann Stadium despite mounting a spirited fourth-quarter comeback attempt.
The Flashes (3-6, 2-3 MAC) were their own worst enemy throughout the contest, committing 10 penalties for 78 yards while struggling to capitalize on scoring opportunities in the red zone. Kent State reached Ball State territory multiple times but repeatedly stalled due to costly infractions and untimely mistakes.
First Half Struggles
Kent State's opening drive set the tone for a frustrating night. After receiving the opening kickoff, the Flashes turned the ball over on downs on their first possession, immediately followed by an unsportsmanlike conduct penalty that gave Ball State excellent field position at the Kent State 13-yard line.
The Dark Side Defense kept the Cardinals out of the end zone, forcing a 25-yard field goal by DC Pippin to make it 3-0.
The Flashes responded with a promising drive featuring multiple explosive plays – a 25-yard completion to Da'Shawn Harris, ruled initially incomplete, was overturned to a completion. Then, a 27-yard rush by Gavin Garcia and what appeared to be a 25-yard touchdown pass to Wayne Harris. However, the touchdown was overturned to an incomplete pass upon review. Will Hryszko connected on a 35-yard field goal attempt, but a penalty pushed the Flashes back five yards. His subsequent 40-yard attempt sailed wide.
The second quarter brought more frustration. Ball State capitalized on a critical Flashes offside penalty on fourth-and-five, extending their drive. The Cardinals eventually found the end zone on a 1-yard touchdown pass from Kiael Kelly to TJ Horton, making it 10-0.
The Flashes answered with a lengthy 13-play, 56-yard drive, but penalties again proved costly. A false start on first-and-10 from the Ball State 15, followed immediately by a delay of game, pushed Kent State back to the 25-yard line for first-and-20. The drive stalled, resulting in Hryszko's 39-yard field goal to cut the deficit to 10-3 at halftime.
Second Half Adjustments
The Flashes came out with renewed energy in the third quarter. Dru DeShields connected with Harris for a 42-yard completion on third-and-7, sparking a drive into Ball State territory. DeShields found Hunter Hopperton for 14 yards to the Ball State 11, but the offense couldn't punch it in, turning the ball over on downs after an incomplete pass on fourth-and-eight.
The defense responded with Thomas Aden recording a crucial sack, forcing a Ball State three-and-out. Harris returned the ensuing punt 24 yards to the Ball State 10-yard line, setting up excellent field position.
Two plays later, Donovan Delaney Jr. scored on a 4-yard rushing touchdown on a direct snap for his first career touchdown. Hryszko's extra point tied the game 10-10 with 4:42 left in the third quarter.
However, another unsportsmanlike conduct penalty on the kickoff gave Ball State a favorable field position at their own 40. The Flashes jumped offside on fourth-and-one, extending the Cardinals' drive, though Ball State's 50-yard field goal attempt missed.
Fourth Quarter Drama
Kent State seized momentum early in the fourth quarter. DeShields hit Harris for 30 yards to the Ball State 22, then connected with DaShawn Martin for six yards to move the chains. Garcia broke free for an 8-yard run to the Ball State 1, but yet another penalty – this time illegal formation – pushed the Flashes back. Hryszko salvaged three points with a 28-yard field goal, giving Kent State its first lead at 13-10 with 11:07 remaining.
The defense forced another three-and-out, and the offense appeared poised to extend the lead. But disaster struck when wide receiver Sebastian Brown attempted a trick play pass that was intercepted by Joedrick Lewis, giving Ball State the ball at their own 18.
The Cardinals capitalized on Kent State's miscue despite their own holding penalty. On third-and-five, CJ Young was flagged for unsportsmanlike conduct, giving Ball State an automatic first down at the Kent State 34. The Flashes' defense forced Ball State to attempt a 50-yard field goal, which missed.
Kent State took over at their own 32 but went backwards. A bad snap on fourth-and-one from the Flashes' 41-yard line resulted in a turnover on downs at the Kent State 37 with 3:45 remaining.
Ball State took advantage of the short field. After Jamond Mathis recorded a sack on second down, Kelly found Kameron Anthony for a 29-yard touchdown pass on fourth-and-two with 1:53 left, giving the Cardinals a 17-13 lead.
The Flashes had one final chance. Da'Realyst Clark returned the kickoff 34 yards to the Kent State 39, and Garcia converted a fourth-and-one to keep the drive alive. But DeShields' fourth-down pass fell incomplete at the Ball State 38 with 18 seconds remaining, sealing Kent State's fate.
Statistical Breakdown
DeShields completed 15-of-27 passes for 212 yards while rushing for eight yards. Harris led all receivers with five catches for 87 yards. Garcia paced the ground game with 59 yards on 12 carries.
Defensively, CJ Young led the Flashes with 11 tackles (seven solo), while Mathis recorded 1.5 sacks. The defense sacked Kelly four times and held Ball State to just 238 total yards.
Kent State outgained Ball State 301-238 in total offense and won the time of possession battle in the first half, but the penalties and turnovers proved insurmountable. The Flashes were 3-for-13 on third down and 1-for-4 on fourth down, while Ball State converted their lone fourth-down attempt – the game-winning touchdown.
The loss drops Kent State to 3-6 overall and 2-3 in MAC play as the season enters its final stretch. The Flashes will travel to play the school down the road on Tuesday, November 11, at 7:30 p.m.
Big Plays
GARCIA REFUSED TO GO DOWN!
— Kent State Football (@KentStFootball) November 6, 2025
KSU - 0
BSU - 3
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?? https://t.co/S8lqmDLcHa#GoFlashes?? | #HAB1TS pic.twitter.com/n0kCuzPBY0
FLASHES SACK!
— Kent State Football (@KentStFootball) November 6, 2025
The Dark Side Defense forces a punt.
KSU - 0
BSU - 3
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?? https://t.co/S8lqmDKERC#GoFlashes?? | #HAB1TS pic.twitter.com/WjKnHqO0Nl
FLASHES SACK!
— Kent State Football (@KentStFootball) November 6, 2025
The Dark Side Defense brings pressure again with an 11-yard sack
KSU - 3
BSU - 10
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?? https://t.co/S8lqmDKERC#GoFlashes?? | #HAB1TS pic.twitter.com/ikPbVkd72n
DESHIELDS TO WAYNE FOR A HUGE GAIN!
— Kent State Football (@KentStFootball) November 6, 2025
KSU - 3
BSU - 10
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?? https://t.co/WEyliKGiLb
?? https://t.co/S8lqmDKERC#GoFlashes?? | #HAB1TS pic.twitter.com/lpkY7Eprj1
ANOTHER DARK SIDE DEFENSE SACK!
— Kent State Football (@KentStFootball) November 6, 2025
KSU - 3
BSU - 10
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?? https://t.co/WEyliKGiLb
?? https://t.co/S8lqmDKERC#GoFlashes?? | #HAB1TS pic.twitter.com/R8jIgLfJqU
WAYNE HARRIS BIG RETURN!
— Kent State Football (@KentStFootball) November 6, 2025
KSU - 3
BSU - 10
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?? https://t.co/S8lqmDKERC#GoFlashes?? | #HAB1TS pic.twitter.com/fWpqMM7Tpj
?????????????????? ??????????????!
— Kent State Football (@KentStFootball) November 6, 2025
Delaney Jr. took the direct snap and score his first career touchdown.
KSU - 10
BSU - 10
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?? https://t.co/WEyliKGiLb
?? https://t.co/S8lqmDKERC#GoFlashes?? | #HAB1TS pic.twitter.com/cSDXcqbQYt
FLASHES SACK AGAIN!
— Kent State Football (@KentStFootball) November 6, 2025
KSU - 13
BSU - 10
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?? https://t.co/WEyliKGiLb
?? https://t.co/S8lqmDKERC#GoFlashes?? | #HAB1TS pic.twitter.com/tklP66cwiq
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Team Stats
KSU 0, BSU 3
BSU - Pippin,DC 25 yd field goal 4 plays, 5 yards, TOP 01:54
KSU 0, BSU 10
BSU - Horton,TJ 1 yd pass from Kelly,Kiael (Pippin,DC kick) 13 plays, 50 yards, TOP 06:34
KSU 3, BSU 10
KSU - Hryszko,Will 39 yd field goal 13 plays, 56 yards, TOP 07:06
KSU 10, BSU 10
KSU - Delaney Jr.,Donovan 4 yd run (Hryszko,Will kick), 2 plays, 10 yards, TOP 00:40
KSU 13, BSU 10
KSU - Hryszko,Will 28 yd field goal 9 plays, 56 yards, TOP 04:28
KSU 13, BSU 17
BSU - Anthony,Kameron 29 yd pass from Kelly,Kiael (Pippin,DC kick) 4 plays, 37 yards, TOP 01:52
