Just when Reggie Kennedy seemed to put a period on the Salukis’ starting quarterback statement, along comes back-up Danny Smith with an eraser.

Kennedy followed his 10-25 debut performance at Southeast Missouri State last week with another shaky start against Murray State Saturday, going 5-15 for 76 yards including 4 sacks and an interception in the end zone which ended a Saluki drive at the end of the first half.

Smith replaced Kennedy at the start of the second half, connecting on 7 of 12 passes for 83 yards and 1 interception. Smith’s interception, late in the fourth quarter, was returned 27 yards to complete the 35-3 drubbing of the Salukis.

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Saluki head coach Shawn Watson said Smith knew what his mistake was as soon as he threw the ball.

Danny knew when he got to the sidelines, he said. He knew what he should have done. That’s what I like about him.

Watson said Smith played a good second half and has an advantage over Kennedy for the start next week at Arkansas State

I really liked what I saw in Danny Smith today, he said. He’ll have to earn it. Danny Smith, I’ll be honest with you, has the edge right now.

Watson said the move to replace Kennedy had nothing to do with a lack of confidence in Kennedy.

I made the move for the future of the team, he said. Reggie Kennedy is going to be a very, very good college quarterback. He just needs a lot of maturity. He’ll be OK.

Watson said no matter who starts at Arkansas State, Sept. 16, he’s looking for a leader.

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I want a guy who’s going to be a thumb-pointer, he said. I want a guy who’s going to lead us. That’s the No. 1 criteria right now.