MID-AMERICAN CONFERENCE \ Saturday’s games

Kentucky 56, Kent State 20.

LEXINGTON, Ky. — John Conner had two of Kentucky’s six rushing TDs — the first two of his career — as the Wildcats’ offense overcame their porous rushing defense. Conner scored on Kentucky’s opening drives of both halves, including a 16-yard scamper four minutes after halftime that gave the Wildcats (2-0) the lead for good. Coming into the game, Conner had only two other carries in his career. Tony Dixon, Andre Woodson, Alfonso Smith and Derrick Locke each added TD runs, Locke’s from 67 yards out on just his second career carry. Kentucky racked up 266 rushing yards, but Kent State did even better on the ground. Coached by Kentucky alumnus Doug Martin, the Flashes diced the Wildcats’ defense for 215 rushing yards in the first half — including 124 from Eugene Jarvis and 79 from quarterback Julian Edelman. The Golden Flashes ran for 324 yards in the game.

Ball State 38, Eastern Michigan 16

YPSILANTI, MIch. — Nate Davis’s three touchdown passes helped Ball State take a commanding 24-9 halftime lead. Ball State (1-1, 1-1 Mid-American) held the Eagles to one touchdown in the second half a week after a disappointing one point loss to Miami in the game’s final minute. The Cardinals set the tone in the first quarter when Davis hooked up with MiQuale Lewis on a 77-yard reception to set up a two-yard touchdown pass to Darius Hill for a 7-0 lead. After Eastern Michigan failed to get a punt off deep in its own territory, Davis found Joe Everett in the back of the end zone for a 15-yard touchdown pass and the 14-3 lead. Davis was 19-for-38 for 306 yards, four TDs and no interceptions for the Cardinals. Dante Love finished with seven catches for 114 yards and two touchdowns.

Buffalo 42, Temple 7.

PHILADELPHIA — Drew Willy completed 20 of 22 passes for 190 yards and two touchdowns and Buffalo scored early and often. Mario Henry gained 126 yards on 17 carries and scored once for the Bulls (1-1, 1-0 Mid-American), who rolled up 414 yards of total offense to Temple’s 141. Adam DiMichele completed 13 of 23 passes for 160 yards for Owls (0-2, 0-1), who ran the ball 25 times for minus-36 yards.

Associated Press