Keith’s 3 TD passes, 2nd-half defense help Kent State spoil Hatcher’s Murray State debut 41-10

Keith passes Kent State over Murray State 41-10

KENT, Ohio — Spencer Keith threw for 275 yards and three touchdowns to lead Kent State to a 41-10 season-opening victory over Murray State on Thursday night.

Two of Keith’s scoring passes went to Jacquise Terry, including a 49-yarder that gave the Golden Flashes a 24-10 lead 1:13 before halftime. Keith’s other scoring pass went to Sam Kirkland, who had nine catches for 126 yards.

The loss spoiled Chris Hatcher’s Murray State coaching debut. Hatcher compiled a 94-27 record in previous jobs at Valdosta State and Georgia Southern.

Anthony Bowman’s 92-yard kickoff return to start the second half widened Kent State’s lead to 31-10 over its Football Championship Series opponent.

Jeff Ehrhardt was 30-for-47 for 258 yards for Murray State, which finished with minus-65 yards rushing as Ehrhardt was sacked five times for 44 yards. The Racers didn’t score in the final 39:17.