Kent State University
1-2 , 0-1
University at Buffalo
2-1 , 1-0
Golden Flashes Fall Short in Heartbreaking MAC Opener, 31-28 to Buffalo
9/13/2025 4:35:00 PM | Football
KENT, Ohio – Kent State's Mid-American Conference (MAC) opener ended with the Golden Flashes falling 31-28 to Buffalo at Dix Stadium on Saturday afternoon. The loss drops Kent State to 1-2 overall and 0-1 in MAC play, while Buffalo improves to 2-1, 1-0 MAC.
A Tale of Two Halves
Kent State struck first and looked dominant early, building a 14-0 first-quarter advantage. Maurice Stephens broke free for a spectacular 31-yard touchdown run at 8:54 of the opening quarter, capping a quick three-play, 61-yard drive. The Golden Flashes extended their lead in the second quarter when quarterback Dru DeShields found Cade Wolford for a 41-yard touchdown pass, showcasing the aerial attack that would prove crucial throughout the contest.
However, Buffalo responded with 10 unanswered points before halftime, including a 38-yard touchdown strike from Ta'Quan Roberson to Nik McMillan and a 28-yard field goal by Jack Howes as time expired, cutting the Kent State lead to 14-10 at intermission.
Third Quarter Momentum Shift
The third quarter proved pivotal as Buffalo seized control with two touchdown drives. The Bulls took their first lead on a 21-yard touchdown pass from Roberson to Chance Morrow at 9:28, then extended it to 24-14 when Al-Jay Henderson broke loose for a 38-yard rushing touchdown.
Kent State refused to fold, however. DeShields delivered a clutch 50-yard touchdown bomb to Terik Mulder with 2:58 remaining in the third quarter, pulling the Golden Flashes within 24-21 and setting up a thrilling final period.
Fourth Quarter Drama
The fourth quarter belonged to Kent State for most of its duration. The Golden Flashes mounted an impressive 21-play, 93-yard touchdown drive that consumed over 12 minutes of game clock. The methodical march culminated when DeShields punched it in from three yards out with 2:38 remaining, giving Kent State a 28-24 lead and seemingly putting the Bulls in a desperate situation.
The Bulls responded by driving 76 yards in eight plays, with Roberson finding Victor Snow for a 22-yard touchdown pass with 1:03 on the clock to reclaim the lead at 31-28.
The Golden Flashes had an opportunity to respond, but three consecutive incomplete passes and a seven-yard run by DeShields on 4th and ten would turn the ball over.Â
The Flashes' defense forced a turnover on downs, giving themselves 18 seconds on their own 27 to try to score. Kent State's final opportunity, but their last-gasp drive stalled when DaShawn Martin fumbled with five seconds remaining, with Buffalo's Keontez Bradley recovering to seal the victory.
Statistical Breakdown
Despite the loss, Kent State controlled several key statistical categories. The Golden Flashes dominated time of possession 37:22 to 22:38. Kent State also went 3-for-5 on fourth down, showing aggressive play-calling in crucial situations.
DeShields completed 22 of 33 passes for 279 yards and two touchdowns without an interception. His favorite target was Wolford, who hauled in three catches for 95 yards and a touchdown. Mulder added three receptions for 55 yards and a score.
Gavin Garcia led the way on the ground with 18 carries for 61 yards, while DeShields added 37 rushing yards and the crucial fourth-quarter touchdown. The Golden Flashes managed 144 total rushing yards on 44 attempts.
Defensively, Jaire Rawlison led Kent State with eight total tackles, while CJ Young added seven tackles and forced a fumble. The defense held Buffalo to 139 rushing yards but struggled to contain Roberson's 318-yard passing performance.
Looking Ahead
The Golden Flashes will travel to Tallahassee, Florida, to play the tenth-ranked Florida State Seminoles on Saturday, September 20, at 3:30 p.m. on the ACC Network.
Kent State Big Plays
1st 9:10
— Kent State Football (@KentStFootball) September 13, 2025
TOUCHDOWN RECE STEPHENS!
KSU - 7
UB - 0
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?? https://t.co/WEyliKGQAJ
?? https://t.co/S8lqmDLcHa #GoFlashes?? | #HAB1TS pic.twitter.com/0rtlkaZxhm
1st 7:06
— Kent State Football (@KentStFootball) September 13, 2025
Derrick Jackson III with the INTERCEPTION!
KSU - 7
UB - 0
?? https://t.co/nQT0mr2a6S
?? https://t.co/WEyliKGiLb
?? https://t.co/S8lqmDKERC #GoFlashes?? | #HAB1TS pic.twitter.com/AJ4jq84SIR
2nd 12:27
— Kent State Football (@KentStFootball) September 13, 2025
FLASHES TURNOVER!
AJ Campbell forces the fumble and Mason Woods recovers the ball!
KSU - 7
UB - 0
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?? https://t.co/WEyliKGQAJ
?? https://t.co/S8lqmDLcHa #GoFlashes?? | #HAB1TS pic.twitter.com/P7QDn310Ss
2nd 2:45
— Kent State Football (@KentStFootball) September 13, 2025
DeShields ?? Wolford
Dru Deshields throws 41 yd touchdown pass to Cade Wolford!
KSU - 14
UB - 0
?? https://t.co/nQT0mr2HWq
?? https://t.co/WEyliKGQAJ
?? https://t.co/S8lqmDLcHa #GoFlashes?? | #HAB1TS pic.twitter.com/rMTwZaFDLD
3rd 3:08
— Kent State Football (@KentStFootball) September 13, 2025
TOUCHDOWN FLASHES!
Dru Deshields connects with Terik Mulder for the touchdown!
KSU - 21
UB - 24
?? https://t.co/nQT0mr2HWq
?? https://t.co/WEyliKGQAJ
?? https://t.co/S8lqmDLcHa #GoFlashes?? | #HAB1TS pic.twitter.com/JOKqudtkh8
4th 2:41
— Kent State Football (@KentStFootball) September 13, 2025
TOUCHDOWN FLASHES!
Dru Deshields rushes into the end zone to take the lead!
KSU - 28
UB - 24
?? https://t.co/nQT0mr2HWq
?? https://t.co/WEyliKGQAJ
?? https://t.co/S8lqmDLcHa #GoFlashes?? | #HAB1TS pic.twitter.com/Z94QldKTPK
Post Game Press Conference
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Team Stats
BUF 0, KSU 7
KSU - Stephens,Maurice 31 yd run (Hryszko,Will kick), 3 plays, 61 yards, TOP 01:29
BUF 0, KSU 14
KSU - Wolford,Cade 41 yd pass from DeShields,Dru (Hryszko,Will kick) 4 plays, 57 yards, TOP 01:49
BUF 7, KSU 14
BUF - McMillan,Nik 38 yd pass from Roberson,Ta'Quan (Howes,Jack kick) 7 plays, 92 yards, TOP 01:18
BUF 10, KSU 14
BUF - Howes,Jack 28 yd field goal 8 plays, 50 yards, TOP 00:49
BUF 17, KSU 14
BUF - Morrow,Chance 21 yd pass from Roberson,Ta'Quan (Howes,Jack kick) 4 plays, 53 yards, TOP 01:01
BUF 24, KSU 14
BUF - Henderson,Al-Jay 38 yd run (Howes,Jack kick), 6 plays, 85 yards, TOP 02:16
BUF 24, KSU 21
KSU - Mulder,Terik 50 yd pass from DeShields,Dru (Hryszko,Will kick) 4 plays, 75 yards, TOP 02:17
BUF 24, KSU 28
KSU - DeShields,Dru 3 yd run (Hryszko,Will kick), 21 plays, 93 yards, TOP 12:15
BUF 31, KSU 28
BUF - Snow,Victor 22 yd pass from Roberson,Ta'Quan (Howes,Jack kick) 8 plays, 76 yards, TOP 01:29
