Gambier, Ohio - The Denison Big Red used an explosive first half to defeat the Kenyon Owls 33-18 behind four touchdowns from quarterback Tyler Green. The Big Red improved to 6-3 and 5-2 in conference play, while Kenyon fell to 1-8 and 1-7 in conference play.

The Big Red defense got off to a hot start, as they forced a three-and-out and made the Owls punt it away on their first drive. Denison would use the momentum from the defensive stop and go on a six-play, 64 yard drive finished off with a three-yard pitch-and-catch from Tyler Green to Jack Williams.

With the defense forcing another Kenyon punt, the Big Red would convert on three third downs, and would score on fourth and one from a Green to Grayson Kerscher connection to cap off a 16-play, 75 yard drive that took 6:38 off the clock, and give the Big Red a 12-0 lead heading into the second quarter.

Forcing yet another three-and-out, Denison would get into Owl territory but would be forced to punt. On the next Kenyon drive, the Big Red defense had the Owls fourth and six from their own 11, and with Kenyon's punter ready to boot it away, he bobbled the snap in the endzone, and it was recovered by Tate Taylor for the special teams score to make it 19-0.

Following a fourth consecutive three-and-out from the Owls, Green and company made quick work, connecting with Kerscher for a 45-yard touchdown on just a one-play drive to make it 26-0.

After both teams would exchange drives, Kenyon would score on a 17-yard passing play to cut the deficit to 20. With 1:14 left in the first half, Denison would make it three-weeks in a row with a closing first half touchdown, as Green would take it in himself this time from four-yards out with 11 seconds left to go up 33-6 into halftime.

Kenyon did not have a single first down in the first quarter, and the Big Red held a 19-3 advantage in first down in the second half. The Denison defense held the Kenyon rushing attack to -2 yards and 102 total yards. Green threw for 335 yards in the first half and accounted for four touchdowns (three passing, one rushing).

The Big Red would start with the ball out of the half, as they would enter Owl territory but be forced to punt. Kenyon would then score on a 83-yard rushing touchdown to stop the bleeding and cut the lead to 33-12.

Both teams could not muster an offensive drive the rest of the third quarter, and it would continue into the fourth quarter. On Denison's first drive of the fourth quarter, the Big Red were able to get it inside the Kenyon 40, but were unable to convert on fourth and one, giving it back to the Owls. But the Kenyon drive would be short lived, as Layton Reesor picked off the Owls and gave the Big Red good field position off the turnover.

The Big Red would be forced to punt off the turnover, and the Owls would take advantage with a 64-yard rushing touchdown to make it a two-possession game with under five minutes to go in the game.

Denison would chew the clock after the Kenyon score, and they would run out the clock and take home win number six on the year, 33-18.

Denison outgained Kenyon 451-316, with 420 of those from passing. The Big Red also held the advantage in first downs, 26-11. Green finished his day going 44/63 for 420 yards and four total touchdowns. Kerscher had himself another 100+ yard day, hauling in 12 catches for 131 yards and two scores.

Offensive Highlights:

• With his 420 yard day, Green eclipsed 3,000 yards on the season, currently having 3,033 on the season. That puts him third all-time for passing yards in a season. He needs 42 yards to be in second place, and 274 yards to break the single-season record, which was held by Greg Neuendorf in the 2001 season (3,306 yards). Green also passed Canaan Gebele to become second in most touchdown passes in a season with 27. He needs three touchdowns to tie the record set by Greg Neuendorf back in 2001. Furthermore, he also broke his own record of most pass completions in a game with 44.
• Kerscher passed 1,000 yards on the season with his 131 yard day, his sixth 100+ yard game this season. He is the fourth Big Red all-time to surpass 1,000 yards, and currently ranks third in receiving yards in a season. He needs 38 yards to become second, and 349 yards to become the single-season leader. The current record was set by Dushawn Brown back in 2014 with 1,397 yards. Kerscher also ranks third for most receptions in a season with 68, and only needs two to become second. With his two touchdowns today, he now ranks tied third in receiving touchdowns in a season.
• Denison has now scored 28+ in six-straight games.
• Four different Big Red receivers had 65+ yards receiving. Logan Yater (67), Rob Lucey (73), Jack Williams (74), and Kerscher (131) all paced Denison in receiving. Williams also had a touchdown grab along with his day.

Defensive Highlights:

• The Big Red defense held the Owls to 3-for-14 on third downs.
• Linebacker Rory Ralston had six solo tackles, three of them being for loss of 16 yards. It is his most tackles for loss in a game in his career.
• Chase Daniel also had three tackles for loss of eight yards. It is his most tackles for loss in a game, he now has five on the season.
• Nick Pellicciotta had six tackles, five of them being solo.
• Layton Reesor had the only forced turnover on the day with his third quarter interception.

Up Next for the Big Red:
Denison will return home for their final game of the season for Senior Day against #11-ranked John Carroll on November 15 at 1 p.m.