Ball State’s Narrow Victory Over Kent State Highlights the Brutal Reality of MAC Football: Only the Strong Will Survive in the Fight for Bowl Eligibility and Glory in a League Where Every Mistake Could Be Fatal.
Ball State and Kent State faced off in a pivotal Mid-American Conference (MAC) matchup that had significant implications for both teams’ postseason aspirations. With both teams entering the game at 3-5 overall and 2-2 in conference play, the stakes were high. The game, held at Scheumann Stadium in Muncie, Indiana, was not just a contest of skill but a battle for survival in a league where bowl eligibility is a coveted prize.
The atmosphere was electric, with fans eager to see which team would take a crucial step toward bowl eligibility. Ball State, under the guidance of first-year head coach Mike Uremovich, was looking to build on its home-field advantage, having won all three previous games at home this season. Kent State, led by newly appointed head coach Mark Carney, was hoping to turn its season around after a disappointing start.
As the game unfolded, it became clear that both teams were evenly matched, with neither able to establish a dominant presence. The first half saw Ball State take an early lead, with a 10-0 advantage at one point. However, the Golden Flashes showed resilience, clawing their way back into the game. The turning point came in the fourth quarter when Kent State managed to secure its first lead of the night, thanks to a 28-yard field goal by Will Hryszko. This moment shifted the momentum in favor of the Golden Flashes, who had struggled to find their rhythm throughout the game.
Despite the newfound lead, Kent State’s inability to capitalize on opportunities would prove costly. A trick play designed to catch Ball State off guard backfired spectacularly when wide receiver Sebastian Brown’s pass attempt resulted in an interception by cornerback Joedrick Lewis. This critical turnover allowed Ball State to regain possession, but they failed to convert on their subsequent drive, missing another long field goal attempt.
The tension escalated as Kent State faced a crucial fourth down situation deep in their own territory. Opting for a wildcat formation, the Golden Flashes aimed to catch Ball State off guard once again. However, a botched snap led to a fumble, and Ball State’s defense, led by standout Nathan Voorhis, capitalized on the mistake. This sequence of events highlighted the razor-thin margins that define MAC football, where one misstep can lead to devastating consequences.
With the game hanging in the balance, Ball State seized its opportunity. Facing a critical fourth down at the Kent State 29-yard line, Uremovich made a bold decision to keep the offense on the field instead of opting for a field goal. The Cardinals executed a perfectly designed misdirection play that caught the Kent State defense off guard, allowing tight end Kameron Anthony to stroll into the end zone untouched. This touchdown not only gave Ball State the lead but also showcased the strategic acumen of Uremovich in a high-pressure situation.
As the clock wound down, Kent State found itself in a familiar position, needing to convert on fourth down to keep their hopes alive. Unfortunately for the Golden Flashes, their struggles in these critical moments continued, as quarterback Dru DeShields’ pass fell short of its target, sealing the victory for Ball State. The Golden Flashes finished the game with a dismal 1-of-4 conversion rate on fourth downs, a statistic that underscores their inability to execute when it mattered most.
The game also highlighted the impact of penalties on Kent State’s performance. With ten penalties for a total of 78 yards, the Golden Flashes repeatedly shot themselves in the foot, including a costly illegal formation penalty that negated a field goal attempt in the first half. Such mistakes are particularly detrimental in tightly contested games, where every yard and point counts.
While Ball State was outgained by 63 yards, their disciplined approach—committing only four penalties and avoiding turnovers—proved to be the difference. Quarterback Kiael Kelly’s performance was instrumental, as he threw for 173 yards and two touchdowns while also contributing 53 rushing yards. This adaptability in the face of adversity, particularly with a banged-up starting running back, showcased the resilience of the Cardinals.
As the season progresses, the implications of this game extend beyond just a single victory. Ball State improved to 4-5 overall and 3-2 in MAC play, keeping their hopes alive for a shot at the conference title. Their remaining schedule includes matchups against Eastern Michigan, Toledo, and Miami (OH), where they will need to secure at least two victories to achieve bowl eligibility for the first time since 2021.
On the other hand, Kent State’s path to postseason play has become increasingly precarious. With a record of 3-6 and 2-3 in the MAC, the Golden Flashes must win their remaining games to qualify for a bowl game for the first time since 2021. Despite the challenges, there are signs of improvement from last season’s winless campaign, as they have shown the ability to compete in close games, even against formidable opponents.
The landscape of MAC football is unforgiving, with each game serving as a reminder of the stakes involved. As teams vie for bowl eligibility, the pressure mounts, and the margin for error shrinks. The battle for postseason glory is not just about talent; it is also about execution, discipline, and the ability to rise to the occasion when it matters most. The outcome of this game serves as a microcosm of the larger narrative unfolding in the MAC, where only the strongest will survive the relentless pursuit of victory.
Ball State and Kent State entered a Wednesday night matchup in Muncie, IN wielding identical résumés. Led by first-year head coaches, both MAC teams were 3-5 and 2-2 in conference play. Wednesday night would be one of separation, vaulting one a massive step closer to bowl eligibility and the other on the brink of postseason elimination.
As the résumés would suggest, it was a tightly-contested game at Scheumann Stadium, coming down to the final seconds. However, Ball State capitalized on its homefield advantage, improving to 4-0 in Muncie this year with a 17-13 victory over Kent State.
Despite the lack of scoring, the fourth quarter was nothing short of eventful. Kent State — which entered the game with the fewest field goal attempts in the FBS — secured its first lead with 11:07 remaining as Will Hryszko drained a 28-yarder, turning a 10-0 Ball State lead into a 13-10 Kent State advantage. The Golden Flashes had all the momentum, and it translated to the defensive side as it forced a quick three-and-out. But upon reaching Ball State territory with an opportunity to extend the lead, disaster struck.
Kent State dialed up a trick play where wide receiver Sebastian Brown fielded an end around and threw a pass. While quarterback Dru DeShields was open toward the right sideline on the gadget play, Brown launched it deep into double coverage, where cornerback Joedrick Lewis corralled an interception. Ball State did not capitalize on the turnover though, as Ball State kicker DC Pippin missed his second 50-yard field goal of the second half, keeping Kent State in control.
Three plays later, Kent State faced a 4th and 1 from its 41-yard line, and newly-appointed head coach Mark Carney (who shed the interim label last Thursday) opted to gamble in his own territory. Kent State utilized a wildcat formation which scored its lone touchdown all night, positioning running back Jordan Nubin in the quarterback spot. Then snap flew to the right of Nubin’s hands, dismantling the play before it even started. Nubin scooped up the fumble for a loss of four before Ball State star defensive Nathan Voorhis recorded his second tackle for loss on the night — increasing his season total to 15.
Gifted with new life thanks to Kent State’s second miscue of the fourth quarter, Ball State wouldn’t waste its final shot at the lead. Staring down a 4th and 2 at the Kent State 29-yard line, the Cardinals kept their field goal unit sidelined and kept quarterback Kiael Kelly and the offense on the field. Ball State crafted a perfect misdirection play, directing all the linemen to block toward the right. Meanwhile, tight end Kameron Anthony slipped out to the left, where Kelly dumped it off to him uncontested. Anthony received a free 29-yard stroll to the end zone, handing the Cardinals a 17-13 advantage with 1:53 remaining.
Kent State could not answer. The Golden Flashes reached 4th and 1 from the 38-yard line, but the recurring theme of fourth down struggles sustained for the road team. DeShields’ downfield strike to Cade Wolford hit the ground short of his target, clinching a Ball State victory. Kent State finished 1-of-4 on fourth down tries, with all three failures stemming from 4th and 1s. Ball State wound up cashing in 10 points thanks to recording these crucial stops, taking over inside the 40-yard line both times. Another factor which hampered Kent State was penalties. The Golden Flashes were flagged 10 times for 78 yards and even lost three points due to an illegal formation penalty on a first half field goal, before missing the backed up attempt.
Ball State was out-gained by 63 yards but never turned it over or turned it over downs, while also committing just four penalties. The Cardinals adjusted their offensive strategy with a banged up starting running back Qua Ashley, relying more on the aerial game to lead the attack. Kelly executed, throwing 173 yards and two touchdowns while rushing for 53 in the team’s fourth home win of the season.
Kent State (3-6, 2-3 MAC) must win out to qualify for its first bowl game since 2021. The Golden Flashes are vastly improved from their winless 2024 team, and even two of their losses this year were MAC competitions where they led at the 2-minute timeout.
Ball State (4-5, 3-2 MAC) already surpassed its 2024 win total under first-year head coach Mike Uremovich. The Cardinals are alive in the MAC title race, and they’ll close with a schedule of Eastern Michigan, Toledo, and Miami (OH) — hoping to snatch at least two victories to return to bowl eligibility for the first time since 2021.