TALLAHASSEE, Fla. – The Kent State Golden Flashes (1-3) suffered a difficult 66-10 loss to seventh-ranked Florida State (3-0) on Saturday afternoon at Doak Campbell Stadium in front of 67,277 fans.
The Golden Flashes showed early signs of life against the highly-ranked Seminoles. After falling behind 14-0 in the first quarter, Kent State answered with an explosive 75-yard touchdown pass from quarterback Dru DeShields to receiver DaShawn Martin. The spectacular strike briefly made it a 14-7 game. Florida State’s offensive firepower proved too much to contain. The Seminoles responded immediately with another touchdown, beginning a dominant stretch that saw them score 21 unanswered points to close the first quarter, leading 35-7.
Offensive Struggles
Kent State’s offense managed just 206 yards against Florida State’s defense, with the ground game particularly stifled. The Golden Flashes rushed for only 43 yards on 28 attempts. Leading rusher Gavin Garcia carried 14 times for 40 yards.
Through the air, DeShields completed 9 of 18 passes for 129 yards, one touchdown, and one interception before giving way to backup Nolan Good, who went 4-of-9 for 34 yards. The passing attack was hampered by Florida State’s pass rush, which recorded two sacks.
Defensive Struggles
Kent State’s defense faced relentless pressure from Florida State’s explosive offense, which racked up 775 total yards and averaged 9.9 yards per play. The Seminoles rushed for 498 yards on 54 carries and eight touchdowns.
Florida State quarterback Tommy Castellanos threw for 205 yards and rushed for two touchdowns, while running backs Gavin Sawchuk (97 yards, 2 TDs) and Samuel Singleton Jr. (86 yards, 2 TDs) led the ground assault.
The Golden Flashes did manage to force one turnover when linebacker CJ Young intercepted a Castellanos pass in the second quarter, returning it 29 yards to set up good field position. However, the defense couldn’t generate consistent stops against the Seminoles’ balanced attack.
Big Plays
1ST | 8:19
DA’SHAWN MARTIN FOR 75 YARDS AND A TUD!
KSU – 7
FSU – 14
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?? https://t.co/T61vNHDuzP#GoFlashes?? | #HAB1TS pic.twitter.com/hS8fab8IpV— Kent State Football (@KentStFootball) September 20, 2025
2nd | 10:13
BIG INT BY CJ YOUNG
KSU – 7
FSU – 35
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?? https://t.co/WEyliKGiLb
?? https://t.co/T61vNHDuzP#GoFlashes?? | #HAB1TS pic.twitter.com/Znrb6xPsQN— Kent State Football (@KentStFootball) September 20, 2025
Looking Ahead
The loss drops Kent State to 1-3 on the season as they continue their challenging non-conference schedule at Oklahoma on October 4.
Coach Carney Post Game Press Conference
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