SPRINGFIELD — Missouri State needed a jolt of energy.
The Bears desperately needed a win on Wednesday, Oct. 14. Behind new starting quarterback Henry Belin IV, Missouri State (2-4, 1-1 in CUSA) returned to the win column with a 24-21 win over Kennesaw State.
“If you weren’t here, you missed it,” Casey Woods said. “You missed the start of something great for this team.”
Belin waited his turn and became Missouri State’s starting signal caller. Skyler Locklear started the first four games before the Bears turned to the Duke transfer against the Owls.
Belin didn’t just lead the team to a win. He shined in the team’s biggest moments.
The fifth-year threw for 300 yards, a new career high. He was efficient, completing 28-for-39 passes. Belin threw two touchdowns — both to Isaiah Myers — while being intercepted once.
“I feel great. This is a great university with great fans. I'm blessed to be able to be here and go out there and help my team get the win today," Belin said. "We had a great practice this week and we are going to need it again for next week.
Missouri State football: Bears top Kennesaw State on game-winning field goal
After Kennesaw State tied the game at 21-21 with 6:06 left, the Bears’ clock management was perfect.
Missouri State marched down the field on the defending Conference USA champions. The drive featured a 32-yard pass from Belin to Myers.
Myers adjusted his body to come back to the ball. As he was falling backward, Myers secured the ball to his chest. The third-down play was huge in giving Missouri State momentum and keeping the drive alive.
“Isaiah kind of looked over at the sidelines and said, ‘This is the guy that they are trying to get to cover me.’ We knew we were in control to kick the field goal.” Woods said. “That last drive is one that they will talk about for a long time.”
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With the ball inside the 5-yard line, Missouri State elected for three straight kneel-downs by Belin. Kennesaw State had zero timeouts to stop the clock.
Kicker Yousef Obeid buried the 20-yard field goal to seal the win, sending Plaster Stadium into a frenzy.
After the game, Woods was asked a question by his daughter in the press conference.
“What was your favorite part of the game?” she asked.
“That’s a good question,” her father said with a smile. “The walk-off field goal for the victory."
Casey Woods’ daughter steals the presser!
— Liam (@liamkeating7) October 15, 2026
“What was your favorite part of the game?”
😂❤️ pic.twitter.com/fx8pIYzpnV
Vibes are much more positive around Missouri State after earning its first win over an FBS opponent this season. Anything can happen in Conference USA, this is why the Bears can go on a run. Woods believes this is because of his team’s winning mentality, which started in practice and translated into a huge, nationally televised win.
“They have finally come together as a team and a unit and overcome something that is very hard,” Woods said. “Our team needed this more. They needed to know that they can overcome adversity.
I’m so excited.”
Liam Keating covers high school sports and Missouri State athletics for The Springfield News-Leader. Send stats or information to him at Lkeating@usatodayco.com
This article originally appeared on Springfield News-Leader: Henry Belin brings jolt of energy in Missouri State's win over Kennesaw State