DeShields accounts for 3 TDs, Kent State tops Ball State 26-13 in MAC opener

Dru DeShields contributed three touchdowns as Kent State defeated Ball State 26-13 in the Mid-American Conference opener on Saturday. The Golden Flashes quarterback, who also ran for a touchdown, engineered two 11-play drives in the first half, covering a combined 163 yards. DeShields opened scoring with a 7-yard pass to Brandon White, and added a 5-yard TD toss to Da’Realyst Clark.

Ball State's Sean Leonard hit a 53-yard field goal as time expired in the half for a 17-0 lead. Kent State's Tyler Mizzell scored a 6-yard TD pass from the Cardinals, but DeShields responded with a 5-yard strike to Clark. Jalen Bonds capped the scoring with a late 10-yard touchdown run for Ball State. Ball State will host Toledo next Saturday.