Garcia Leads Kent State to 35–31 Victory Over Northern Illinois with Career-Best Performance

Kent State Triumphs Over Northern Illinois

Kent State secured a thrilling 35–31 victory over Northern Illinois on November 28, 2025. Running back Xavier Garcia delivered a standout performance, recording a career-high 151 rushing yards and scoring the decisive touchdown late in the fourth quarter. His efforts helped the Golden Flashes end the regular season with a morale-boosting win.

Game Highlights

Garcia’s 25-yard touchdown run with just over two minutes remaining sealed the victory for Kent State.
Quarterback Devin Kline contributed two passing touchdowns, connecting with receivers on key third-down plays to sustain drives.
Northern Illinois responded with a balanced offensive attack, but their final drive was halted by a crucial defensive stand from Kent State.

Coach and Player Reactions

Head coach Kenni Burns praised his team’s perseverance, saying,

"Our guys fought through every challenge tonight. Garcia’s performance was the spark we needed."

Garcia, reflecting on his breakout game, stated,

"I just trusted my blockers and stayed patient. It feels amazing to help the team finish strong."

Key Statistics

Xavier Garcia: 151 rushing yards, 2 touchdowns
Devin Kline: 230 passing yards, 2 touchdowns
Kent State Defense: 2 turnovers forced, including a late interception securing the win

Game Summary

The matchup featured multiple lead changes, with both teams exchanging touchdowns through the first three quarters. Kent State’s offensive line dominated in the closing minutes, opening gaps for Garcia’s decisive run. The Golden Flashes’ defensive resilience in the final minutes prevented Northern Illinois from mounting a comeback.

Final Score: Kent State 35, Northern Illinois 31

Author’s Summary

Garcia’s record-setting rushing night propelled Kent State to a narrow 35–31 win, showcasing persistence and strong teamwork in a hard-fought late-season clash.

The Associated Press- Sports on MSN — 2025-11-29