Kent State answers nonconference struggles with 26-13 MAC-opening win

Kent State defeated Ball State 26-13 on Sept. 26 to open MAC play 1-0 and improve to 2-2 overall. Dru DeShields’ three-touchdown, 265-yard performance, a safety, a 165-46 rushing edge, Sean Leonard’s program-record 53-yard field goal and contributions from Brandon White and Joel Cordoba fueled the response. Leonard was later named MAC Specialist of the Week; penalties and Ball State’s absence of quarterback Keldric Luster temper the result, while Ohio provides the next conference test.