Kent State entered Saturday’s contest against Marshall with a 1-1 record and, for the first time this season, coach Paul Haynes led the Flashes on the field. 

Last time the Thundering Herd and Flashes faced off was in 2015 when Marshall defeated Kent State 36-29 in double overtime.

The Flashes hoped for revenge, but fell short.

The Flashes’ quarterback Nick Holley was injured in the first quarter Saturday and George Bollas replaced him under center. Bollas was 4 of 12 for 55 yards passing and threw one interception.

Marshall quarterback Chase Litton threw for a touchdown and ran in another one to lead the Thundering Herd to a 21-0 victory over the Flashes.

Litton finished 23 of 43 for 223 yards passing with one interception, and running back Tyler King added 101 yards on 14 carries. 

It was a tight game in the first half after both teams were held scoreless after the first quarter. 

Cornerback Demetrius Monday highlighted the Flashes defensively after he intercepted his ninth career pass.

With about two minutes left in the first half, Marshall marched right down the field and completed a 71-yard drive with a touchdown pass from Litton to receiver Marcel Williams.

The drive was ignited by three Kent State penalties. 

Kent State held the lead to just one possession for the entire fourth quarter. The momentum changed early in the fourth quarter when Litton ran for a 14-yard touchdown to make it 14-0.

Late in the fourth quarter the Thundering Herd sealed the victory with a 29-yard touchdown run from King. 

The Flashes offense struggled to move the ball with three quarterbacks combining for 117 yards passing. They also were only able to gain 3.2 yards per rushing attempt.

Jamal Parker had a career-high 12 tackles.

Freshman quarterback Dustin Crum made his college debut and threw for 62 passing yards on five passing attempts. 

The Flashes (1-2) will be on the road next Saturday once again against Louisville and Heisman Trophy winner Lamar Jackson at 12 p.m.

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