“I am happy for our program and our fans,” first-year CSU coach Kevin Porter said. “Tonight is one game but it is a big game for us to win on a great stage. It has been a while since Central State has won a HBCU Classic so hopefully this is a turning point for us as a university and as a football program moving forward.”
Kyles, who finished 26-of-41 for 277 yards and three interceptions, threw TD passes to Twon Hines (7 yards), Kenyadus Hollis (13 yards) and Micah Lowe (21 yards). Hines finished with seven catches for 104 yards and Lowe had eight receptions for 69 yards.
Hines returned the opening kickoff 81 yards to set up his TD that put Central State up 7-0. Mack’s pick six put the Marauders up 14-0 with 6:26 left in the first quarter.
After Winston-Salem State tied the game, Central State took the lead for good on Dina’s 3-yard TD run with 1:03 to play in the first half.
Central State outscored Winston-Salem 20-7 in the second half.
The Marauders scored 40 points in a game for the first time since Nov. 3, 2018.
Central State’s defense, which forced four turnovers, was led by linebacker Jalil Lenore. Lenore had 12 tackles, including a sack, forced a fumble and recovered a fumble on his way to player of the game honors.
Central State hosts Lincoln (Pa.) University at 1 p.m. Saturday at McPherson Stadium.
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