Dent throws 5 TDs as UT Martin routs FCS-member Houston Christian 66-7

Updated Sep. 16, 2023 11:26 p.m. ET

Associated Press

MARTIN, Tenn. (AP) — Kinkead Dent passed for 347 yards and five touchdowns as UT Martin overpowered FCS-member Houston Christian 66-7 on Saturday night.

Dent connected with Trevonte Rucker for a 50-yard touchdown in the first quarter to open the scoring for the Skyhawks (2-1). He followed that with a 34-yard scoring strike to DeVonte Tanksley for a 14-0 lead.

UT Martin broke the game open in the second quarter. Sam Franklin scored on a 46-yard run and Dent followed with a 43-yard touchdown pass to Shawn Hardy II and a 6-yarder to Zoe Roberts. Aidan Laros' 33-yard field goal gave the Skyhawks a 38-7 lead at halftime.

Narkel Leflore returned the opening kick of the second half 95 yards for a touchdown and a 45-7 lead. Dent ran 9 yards for a touchdown and connected with Marlon Cook Jr. for a 3-yard score and a 59-7 lead heading to the final quarter. Backup quarterback Kody Sparks threw a 32-yard scoring strike to Ajay Smith early in the fourth quarter to complete the rout.

Dent completed 20 of 27 passes for the Skyhawks. Sparks threw for 90 yards, completing 7 of 9 attempts. Franklin finished with 127 yards on 17 carries. Tanksley had six catches for 120 yards, while Asa Wondeh snagged five passes for 99.

Colby Suits completed 10 of 25 passes for 142 yards with three interceptions for Houston Christian (1-2).

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