Kinkead Dent, Max Dowling lead UT Martin to 52-17 romp over Eastern Illinois

MARTIN, Tenn. (AP) Kinkead Dent threw three touchdown passes - two of them to Max Dowling - and UT Martin breezed to a 52-17 victory over Eastern Illinois on Saturday.

Eastern Illinois (1-7, 0-4 Big South/OVC Association) grabbed a 7-0 lead on the first possession of the game when Pierce Holley tossed a 7-yard touchdown pass to Cooper Willman to finish off a 75-yard drive in seven plays. Dent answered with a 33-yard touchdown pass to Dowling two plays after Oshae Baker's 43-yard punt return to pull UT Martin (5-3, 3-1) even after one quarter.

Dent followed with a 37-yard touchdown run early in the second quarter and Patrick Smith scored on a 3-yard run three minutes later following a Panthers' turnover to help the Skyhawks take a 21-10 lead into halftime.

Smith had a short touchdown run early in the third quarter and Jaren Van Winkle kicked a 31-yard field goal to up UT Martin's advantage to 31-17 heading to the final quarter.

Dent and Dowling teamed up for a 21-yard touchdown and a 38-17 lead with 10:35 left to play. Dent hit Tyler Dostin for a 14-yard score 58 seconds later following LaMarion Pierce's interception and 21-yard return to wrap up the victory. Jaylon Sharpe added a 72-yard pick-6 to complete the scoring.

Dent finished with 248 yards on 16-for-22 passing for the Skyhawks. He rushed two times for 41 yards. Smith carried 13 times for 87 yards and Dowling had three receptions for 70 yards.

Holley completed 36 of 54 passes for 348 yards with two touchdowns and three interceptions for the Panthers. Willman had 11 catches for 143 yards. Alex Herrera caught seven passes for 80 yards and a score.

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