Kent State end nation’s longest losing streak in dramatic fashion

Brian Schaible

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Kent State end nation’s longest losing streak in dramatic fashion image

For the first time in 714 days, the bell rang in Dix Stadium. Interim head coach Mark Carney and his players celebrated the end of the nation’s longest losing streak, a 21-game slide that stretched nearly two full years, as Kent State edged Merrimack 21-17 on Saturday.

The defining play came with 5:28 remaining. After Merrimack extended its lead to 17-14 on a 45-yard field goal, Da’Realyst Clark fielded the ensuing kickoff in the end zone, cut through a seam, and blazed 100 yards to pay dirt. Da’Realyst ended things real quickly, turning what looked like another crushing defeat into Kent State’s first victory since September 16, 2023.

The Flashes didn’t just rely on special teams. Wide receiver Cade Wolford provided fireworks in the passing game, hauling in two catches for 109 yards and both of Kent State’s offensive touchdowns. On the other side of the ball, the defense delivered critical stops. Jamond Mathis led the charge up front with a sack, five quarterback hurries, and relentless pressure. Linebacker CJ Young, a veteran presence in the program, paced the unit with nine tackles, while Mason Woods (eight), Jaire Rawlison (seven), and Joel Cordoba (seven) helped Kent State finish with five tackles for loss, two sacks, and two pass breakups.

Afterward, Carney deflected praise. “Like I told the guys in the locker room, it’s got nothing to do with me. Zero. It’s these players, these guys,” Carney said. “CJ Young, who’s been here forever. Cade Wolford gets named captain, scores two touchdowns. Like, there’s something special about this group.”

Carney added that he was proud of how his team stayed together through adversity. “Hungry group out there. Saw some adversity, kept believing in one another, and got the job done. It was good to see them ring a bell after so many days without it.”

The Flashes now shift focus to a daunting road trip at Texas Tech next Saturday at noon Eastern. But for the first time in 714 days, they will do so with confidence, momentum, and the memory of breaking through at last.

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Brian Schaible

Brian Schaible is a freelance writer with The Sporting News. He is an award-winning journalist with over 25 years of experience covering college and professional sports. Brian holds a master’s degree in journalism/public relations from Kent State University.