Kent State takes down Old Dominion in sloppy Camellia Bowl
Flashes secure first ever 12 win season
By Don Knotts | @theotherdonknotts | December 31, 2025
35 | 24
Tuesday December 30, 2025 | 2:30PM
Montgomery, Alabama | Cramton Bowl
(12-2)|07|14|00|14|35
(11-3)|03|07|08|06|24
GARCIA AND FRIENDS CELEBRATE HIS LATE TD THAT PUT THE GAME AWAY
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Montgomery, Alabama - Kent State overcame a pair of interceptions and a largely ineffective running game to secure a win the the Camellia Bowl over Old Dominion. The win is only the second bowl game victory in Kent State history. In doing so Kent State secured their 12th win of the season, the first time in program history that they have won that many games. It is also just the second time in program history for double-digit wins.
After a Gavin Garcia three yard touchdown capped their first possession the Flashes gave up 10 straight points to Old Dominion via a 39 yard Ethan Sanchez field goal and a two yard touchdown run by Bryce Duke. Kent State drove into the redzone on their next possession but Tommy Ulatowski was picked off in the endzone trying to find his favorite target Chrishon McCray.
After a three and out and a punt by Old Dominion and a sack on first down Ulatowski found McCray behind the defense for a 73 yard score and a 14-10 lead midway through the second quarter. Following another Old Dominion punt the Flashes put together a 13 play drive that culminated in a four yard Ulatowski to McCray touchdown pass just before halftime.
After a pair of punts to start the second half it was Old Dominion striking next when Ulatowski was hit while releasing a pass and the Monarchs Langston Williams picked it off and took it to the house, making the score 21-18 after a two point conversion.
Kent State punted, Old Dominion punted then Kent State punted again.
Old Dominion then put together a solid drive that spilled over into the fourth quarter and ended with a 47 yard Ethan Sanchez field goal. 21-21.
Another Kent State punt and another Old Dominion field goal made it 24-21 Monarchs with 2:58 left on the clock.
After a short pass to Gavin Garcia it was Ulatowski once again finding McCray behind the defense for a 73 yard touchdown, putting the Flashes back on top 28-24.
Old Dominion would go four and out while barely using any time off the clock and giving the ball back on their own 40 yard line. Seven plays later Garcia put the game away with a four yard touchdown run, his second score of the game.
“Amazing season! Extremely proud of the kids, the coaches. Everyone around the program!” was all Coach Veidt could get out before he was doused in Gatorade.
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Additional Media
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Scoring
1Q KENT Gavin Garcia 3 Yd run (Will Hryszko kick)
1Q ODU Ethan Sanchez 39 Yd FG
2Q ODU Bryce Duke 2 Yd run (Ethan Sanchez kick)
2Q KENT Chrishon McCray 73 Yd pass from Tommy Ulatowski (Will Hryszko kick)
2Q KENT Chrishon McCray 4 Yd pass from Tommy Ulatowski (Will Hryszko kick)
3Q ODU Langston Williams 52 Yd pick six (2Pt)
4Q ODU Ethan Sanchez 46 Yd FG
4Q ODU Ethan Sanchez 48 Yd FG
4Q KENT Chrishon McCray 73 Yd pass from Tommy Ulatowski (Will Hryszko kick)
4Q KENT Gavin Garcia 4 Yd run (Will Hryszko kick)
Key Statistics
Passing – T. Ulatowski 18/32 342Yds 3TD 2Int
Rushing – G. Garcia 17Car 58Yds 2TD, P. Taylor 1Car 13Yds, C. Douglas 1Car 6Yds
Receiving – C. McCray 3Rec 150Yds 3TD, G. Garcia 6Rec 82Yds, L. Langford 2Rec 35Yds, D. Lee Jr 2Rec 32Yds
Tackles – J. Rawlison 8, J. Dotson 7
Sacks – N/A
Takeaways – M. Folk 1Int
Kicking – W. Hryszko 5/5XP
Passing – G. Wilson 3/8 46Yds 1Int
Rushing – B. Duke 39Car 189Yds 1TD, G. Wilson 5Car 15Yds
Receiving – K. Williams 2Rec 38Yds, Q. Dunbar 1Rec 8Yds
Tackles – J. Drummer 10, M. Easterly 7, A. Whitner 7
Sacks – D. Lowry 1.5, D. Lynch 1.5, D. Mayo 1.5
Takeaways – J. Holmes 1Int, L. Williams 1Int, 1TD
Kicking – E. Sanchez 3/3FG 1/1XP
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