Kent State Falls to Arkansas State 17-13 in GoDaddy.com Bowl

Even some special helmets couldn't help them.

The Kent State University Golden Flashes lost the GoDaddy.com Bowl to the Arkansas State Red Wolves 17-13 tonight.

In a close, low-scoring game the Flashes offense couldn't out perform the Red Wolves defense.

The season came down to the final few minutes of the fourth quarter when Kent State was driving and down just four points.

With just three minutes left in the game it looked like Kent State might take the lead on a deep pass from quarterback Spencer Keith to receiver Chris Humphrey, but Humphrey dropped the ball as he fell across the goal line.

Despite the drop, Kent State continued to inch toward Arkansas State's goal line by converting mutliple fourth downs.

Yet on a crucial fourth down that saw Keith scrambling for eight yards he was stopped short by a swarming Red Wolves defense.

The Golden Flashes faced Arkansas State for what was Kent's first bowl appearance in 40 years. Kent State has never won a bowl game.

Arkansas State (9-3, 7-1) was the Sun Belt Conference champion this season.

Under outgoing Coach Darrell Hazell the Flashes finished 11-2 this season, going undefeated in MAC play, earning the MAC East title and getting its highest ranking ever in the BCS era.

Sunday marked Hazell's last game as head coach for Kent State. Late last year he announced his departure for the top coaching job at Purdue.

New head coach Paul Haynes will lead the team this fall.