A tough week for the Kent State football team ended with a 34-14 loss to Iowa State.

After Kent State freshman quarterback Spencer Keith threw a 44 yard touchdown pass to freshman running back Dri Archer to go up 7-3 in the first quarter, Iowa State scored 31 unanswered points.

Kent State lost four fumbles giving the defense little time to rest against the Cyclones’ no huddle offense.

“I told our team that turnover margin would decide this game and of course it did,” Kent State coach Doug Martin said. “They tried everything they could to help keep us in the game we just didn’t take advantage of it.”

The Flashes’ first touchdown was set up after a fumble recovery by senior defensive lineman Sam Frist. Junior safety Brian Lainhart also got his third interception of the year in the second quarter.

“We act like we didn’t practice all week and it’s on us as players,” Lainhart said. “For us to have penalties, (missed assignments), fumbles that’s just unacceptable.”

In his first collegiate start, Keith went 21-for-32 for 255 yards with two touchdowns and an interception.

“Can’t really be happy with a loss all the time but I was pretty pleased as a first start,” Keith said. “I missed a couple of passes I should’ve had but I made some good passes and good plays-I got to pick it up the next couple of weeks.”

In the first game without senior running Eugene Jarvis, Kent State could not establish the running game and only rushed for 47 yards. Junior running back Andre Flowers rushed for 45 yards on 21 carries.

The Flashes were unable to maintain consistent drives going 1-for-12 on third down.

Kent State starts Mid-American conference play next Saturday against Miami.

Contact sports reporter Nick Walton at [email protected]

LIVE BLOG: Kent State vs. Iowa State