Kent State flies past Ball State in MAC opener, 26-13

Kent State entered the 2026 season with expectations.

Mark Carney led the Golden Flashes to four MAC wins last year, inspiring hope that the 2026 iteration of the team could inflict even more damage in conference play. While Kent State didn't have an ideal performance in the non-conference slate, with 56+ point losses to Ohio State and South Carolina, the Golden Flashes proved they could deliver in MAC play.

Kent State left zero doubt in a 26-13 wire-to-wire victory over Ball State in the league opener, producing a 1-0 MAC record for the first time since 2022.

Quarterback Dru DeShields was instrumental in snapping the Golden Flashes' four-game losing streak to the Cardinals. The second-year starter accounted for 189 passing yards, a game-high 76 rushing yards, and three touchdowns in his strongest showing of 2026. He refrained from committing a turnover and completed several long pickups to wide receivers Da'Realyst Clark and Ardell Banks — injecting a sense of explosiveness into the offense which had been previously missing this fall.

Still, Kent State's drives were more of the methodical nature. The Golden Flashes scored two first half touchdowns on 11-play drives that consumed more than six minutes. Then, they managed a 53-yard Sean Leonard field goal on the final play of the half to conclude a 10-play, 39-yard series. Kent State entered halftime ahead 17-0 — its largest halftime lead against FBS competition since Nov. 9, 2022 against Bowling Green.

Kent State controlled over 35 minutes of possession, keeping the offense on the field with these sustained drives — assisted by a 2-of-2 showing on fourth down. The Golden Flashes out-rushed Ball State, 165-46, and largely controlled the line of scrimmage from front to finish.

Ball State was down starting quarterback Keldric Luster for this matchup. Luster was listed as questionable on the availability report due to an undisclosed injury, however, he dressed as an emergency quarterback. That allowed Division II transfer Tyler Mizzell to make his first FBS start, and Mizzell finished 16-of-27 for 164 yards and a touchdown on the afternoon.

Another key member of Ball State's offense listed as questionable was TJ Horton, who entered Saturday leading all MAC running backs in rushing. However, Horton was limited to four yards on five carries, and the Cardinals were stymied by Kent State's defensive front from start to finish. Golden Flashes safety Joel Cordoba even forced a safety in the third quarter, strip-sacking Mizzell to produce a 26-7 advantage.

Ball State (1-3, 0-1 MAC) remains winless against FBS competition this season. The Cardinals return to Muncie next Saturday for a challenging matchup against Toledo, hoping to avoid its first 0-2 start to MAC play since 2023.

Kent State (2-2, 1-0 MAC) has a winning record in the conference standings for the first time since 2022. The Golden Flashes remain at Dix Stadium next Saturday, playing host to Ohio. An opportunity for their first 2-0 start to MAC play since 2021 is in the cards.