Penix throws 4 TD passes, Washington rolls Kent State 45-20

SEATTLE (AP) — Michael Penix Jr. threw for 345 yards and four touchdowns, and Washington opened the Kalen DeBoer era with a 45-20 win over Kent State in a season opener on Saturday night.

DeBoer’s debut as Washington's head coach was highlighted by an entertaining, innovative offense that Penix — also making his Huskies' debut — ran flawlessly against the overmatched Golden Flashes. Penix led Washington on scoring drives on all five first-half possessions and touchdowns on the first four as the Huskies built a 31-13 halftime lead and cruised in the opener.

Only some shaky ball security kept the first half from being even more lopsided.

It was a needed debut for DeBoer, who took over at…