Colin Morris rushed for 144 yards and three touchdowns and Brandon Sklenar passed for 191 yards while rushing for a pair of scores as Denison opened with a 35-6 victory over Earlham College.

Playing the first night game in the recently renovated Darrell Beane Stadium, the two teams played a scoreless first quarter.  In the opening minutes of the second quarter, Denison's Pat Carney Foley would block Ryan Acosta's 33-yard field goal attempt, giving the Big Red the ball on its own 20-yard line.  Sklenar would drive DU into Earlham territory, and on first down from the 29, Morris would break free to score the game's first points.

The defense would force a quick three-and-out, opening the door for Sklenar and company to orchestrate a methodical 12-play, 66-yard drive that ended in a 6-yard touchdown run by Morris.

Four seconds before halftime, the Quakers would get on the board via Acosta's 24-yard field goal conversion.

The Big Red offense took the field to open the third quarter and would answer with another scoring drive, ending in a 21-yard TD run by Sklenar who was given an open alley after a key block by tight end Cam Layer near the 10-yard line.

Earlham's ensuing possession would result in another Acosta field goal, this time from 24-yards, capping off a long 16-play drive for the Quakers.

DU entered the fourth quarter facing third-and-goal with the ball on Earlham's 4-yard line.  Sklenar would gain three yards, only to call his own number on fourth down to reach paydirt for the second time.

Denison's final score would come via a 17-yard rush by Morris with 5:49 left to play.

The Big Red outrushed Earlham 246-53 and outgained them 437-315.  The offense was outstanding in third down situations, converting 71 percent (10-of-14).  

The Denison defense posted six tackles for-a-loss and seven pass break-up's.  Andrew Baird led with eight stops.  Sophomore cornerback Joel Lohoua turned in six tackles and two break-up's.  Lars Soderberg recorded Denison's lone sack. He also posted two TFLs and four tackles.  First-year Chandler Bridges led the team with three pass break-up's.

On offense, Hunter Winans led the receivers with seven catches for 77 yards.  DuShawn Brown caught five balls for 51 yards, and Morris posted six catches for 29 yards.  Sklenar ended the day 22-of-35 passing for 191 yards and one interception.  He also carried the ball nine times for 69 yards.  All five of Denison's touchdowns came on the ground.

Earlham quarterback Matt Couch was 16-for-33 for 178 yards.

Denison moves to 1-0 and will open North Coast Athletic Conference play next Saturday when they travel to Hiram, Ohio for a 7 p.m. kickoff against the Terriers.