Kent State wins Wagon Wheel in OT, 42-35, after Akron’s huge fourth-quarter rally

Kent State Wins in OT Against Akron, 42-35

Kent State secured the Wagon Wheel trophy with a 42-35 victory over Akron in overtime at InfoCision Stadium. The game was a tense back-and-forth, with Akron nearly completing a comeback from an 18-point deficit in the fourth quarter.

Key Moments

In overtime, Dru DeShields threw a 25-yard touchdown pass to Ardell Banks, securing the win for Kent State.
Will Hryszko made the extra point, giving Kent State a 42-35 lead.
Akron’s final drive ended at the Kent State 19-yard line when Ben Finley's fourth-down pass was incomplete.

Fourth-Quarter Comeback

Trailing 35-17 early in the fourth quarter, Akron scored 18 unanswered points, including:

A 12-yard touchdown pass from Finley to Marcel Williams
A 20-yard field goal by Matthew Schramm
A 13-yard touchdown pass from Finley to Israel Polk, followed by a two-point conversion to Williams

Third Quarter Dominance

Kent State outscored Akron 14-0 in the third quarter, with key touchdowns from Dru DeShields - a 43-yard pass to Cade Wolford and a seven-yard pass to Terik Mulder. The team also secured an interception by Terrell Miller, who returned it 37 yards.

"Kent State’s victory capped a thrilling game, highlighted by a strong third quarter and a dramatic fourth-quarter comeback, leading to a decisive overtime win."

Author's summary: Kent State triumphed in a dramatic overtime game against Akron, marked by a strong third quarter and a resilient fourth-quarter comeback, winning 42-35 to claim the Wagon Wheel.

cleveland.com — 2025-11-12

Kent State Wins in OT Against Akron, 42-35

Key Moments

Fourth-Quarter Comeback

Third Quarter Dominance

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