Just a few days after Kent State announced starting quarterback Nick Holley would be out for the season due to an injury, the Flashes headed into Louisville to take on the Cardinals. 

Louisville quarterback Lamar Jackson won the Heisman Trophy last season and has built a strong case for a repeat so far this season.

The Cardinals struck first when running back Malik Williams ran in a touchdown from three yards out. That followed a 69-yard pass from Jackson to tight end Jordan Davis on the first play of the game. 

After the Flashes stopped the Cardinals on a fourth and short, Williams ran in a 33-yard touchdown on the next possession to make it 14-0.

Junior George Bollas was the starting quarterback in place of injured Holley, and he finished with just two completions for 11 yards and an interception returned for a touchdown.

The Flashes capitalized on a Louisville fumble with a 48-yard field goal by junior Shane Hynes. The field goal was his career long, and it was the longest from a Kent State kicker since 2012.

The Cardinals responded with a Jackson 13-yard touchdown run to make the score 28-3 at the half.

Jackson didn’t have his best day, however. Kent State cornerback Demetrius Monday intercepted two passes. With his 10th and 11th career interceptions, Monday now ranks ninth among Kent State’s interception leaders.

The Flashes gave up just 14 points in the second half to the prolific Louisville offense. The Cardinals defeated the Flashes 42-3.

A bright spot for Kent State was freshman quarterback Dustin Crum, who had a career-high 62 yards rushing. Freshman running back Kesean Gamble also had a career high in rushing with 45 yards.

On the defensive side of the ball, senior linebacker James Alexander tied a career-high with eight tackles and a sack.

The Flashes (1-3) will begin conference play next week when they take on Buffalo at Dix Stadium at 3:30 p.m. 

Scott Lendak is a sports reporter. Contact him at [email protected]