Kent State University
University at Buffalo
Kent State Golden Flashes Host Buffalo Bulls in MAC Conference Opener
9/11/2025 7:51:00 PM | Football
Saturday, September 13, 2025 | 12:00 p.m. ET | Dix Stadium, Kent, Ohio
KENT, Ohio – The Kent State Golden Flashes (1-1) return home to Dix Stadium to open Mid-American Conference (MAC) play against the Buffalo Bulls (1-1) on Saturday afternoon. After valuable early-season experience that included a thrilling home opener victory and a challenging road test, the Flashes are ready to launch their conference campaign in front of their home crowd.
Different Paths to 1-1
Kent State's season began with promise as the Golden Flashes captured a hard-fought 21-17 victory over Merrimack in their home opener. The victory showcased the team's explosive potential, highlighted by receiver Cade Wolford's spectacular performance, including a 79-yard touchdown reception, and special teams magic from Da'Realyst Clark's game-winning 100-yard kickoff return for a touchdown.
The Flashes then faced a significant test on the road against #24 Texas Tech, falling 62-14 in a game that provided invaluable experience against Power 4 competition. While the score was lopsided, the Golden Flashes gained experience competing at the highest level, which should benefit them as they enter MAC play.
Buffalo, meanwhile, opened with a 23-10 loss at Minnesota before bouncing back with authority in a 45-6 home demolition of Saint Francis. The Bulls have shown they can dominate lesser competition while learning from their early-season adversity against a Power 4 opponent.
Key Matchups to Watch
Explosive Playmakers vs. Balanced Attack
Kent State possesses game-changing offensive weapons that can instantly strike and change momentum. Wolford has emerged as one of the MAC's most dangerous receiving threats, totaling 128 receiving yards and three touchdowns on just four catches. His remarkable 32.0 yards per reception average leads the conference and ranks second nationally, demonstrating his ability to turn any touch into a big play. Wolford's three touchdowns also rank second nationally.
The quarterback situation features dual threats in Dru DeShields, who has thrown for 234 yards and two touchdowns, and CJ Montes, who's thrown for 140 passing yards and a score. DeShields also has a rushing touchdown on the season.Â
Buffalo counters with a more balanced offensive approach that has been particularly effective on the ground. The Bulls are averaging 207.0 yards per game rushing, led by quarterback Ta'Quan Roberson's dual-threat ability (240 passing yards, 2 TDs; 95 rushing yards, 2 TDs) and a deep backfield featuring Al-Jay Henderson (123 yards, 2 TDs) and James McNeil Jr. (64 yards, 1 TD).
Kent State Defense vs. Buffalo's Balanced Attack
The Golden Flashes' defense faces the challenge of containing Buffalo's multi-faceted offense while looking to build on its ability to create pressure. Defensive end Jamond Mathis leads the pass rush efforts with a sack and five hurries, while the rest of the defense is led by Joel Cordoba, CJ Young, Mason Woods, and Jaire Rawlison.
Buffalo has shown some inconsistency with two interceptions thrown, presenting opportunities for Kent State's defensive playmakers to create short fields and momentum shifts. The Bulls' balanced attack means the Golden Flashes must defend the entire field, but it also creates opportunities to force Buffalo into predictable situations.
Kent State's defense allowed significant yardage in their road test but showed resilience in their home opener, and Dix Stadium could provide the energy needed to elevate their performance against Buffalo's 327.0 yards per game offensive average.
Special Teams Battle Could Determine Outcome
Both teams feature dynamic special teams units that could swing field position and momentum. Kent State's Clark has been electric on kickoff returns, averaging 36.5 yards per return with his 100-yard touchdown serving as the season's signature moment. This explosive ability gives the Golden Flashes a consistent threat to change field position and create scoring opportunities.
Buffalo's Victor Snow is a threat in the punt return game as he has 72 return yards on seven punt returns with a long of 32 yards.
Buffalo kicker Jack Howes is 2-for-3 on field goals, while Kent State's Will Hryszko looks to bounce back after missing his lone attempt. Field position and the ability to convert scoring opportunities could prove decisive in this conference opener.
What Kent State Needs to Do
Utilize Home Field Advantage: Dix Stadium proved to be a difference-maker in the season opener, and the Golden Flashes will need their crowd to provide energy and create a hostile environment for Buffalo's first visit to Kent.
Get Wolford Involved Early: Kent State's elite receiver can change the game's complexion with his big-play ability. Establishing this connection early could set the tone offensively.
Control Special Teams: Clark's return ability and the coverage units must win the field position battle while providing the potential for game-changing plays.
Create Explosive Moments: With Buffalo's methodical, balanced attack, Kent State must counter with quick-strike capability and momentum-shifting plays.
The Conference Play Factor
This MAC opener represents a fresh start and equal footing for both programs. Conference play often produces surprises, and Kent State has the explosive playmakers and home-field advantage to make an early statement in the MAC race.Â
Note: Buffalo's Cornell Evans will wear #41 instead of his usual #99 for Saturday's contest.
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