YOUNGSTOWN, Ohio (AP) — Adaris Bellamy ran for a career-high 203 yards and a touchdown as Youngstown State beat Dayton 28-10 in the season opener for both teams on Thursday.
Bellamy, who rushed for just 345 yards all of last season, led a dominant attack by the Penguins. Youngstown State piled up 367 yards and four scores on the ground, including two first-half touchdowns from Torrian Pace.
It wasn’t all offense for Youngstown State, however.
The Penguins’ defense, which ranked 5th in the Football Championship Subdivision in run defense in 2012 (95.5 ypg), allowed just 75 rushing yards and forced two interceptions from Dayton quarterback Will Bardo.
Bardo’s touchdown strike to Robert Washington in the third quarter cut the Penguins’ lead to 21-10, but the Flyers wouldn’t score again.
Youngstown State has now won 18 consecutive home openers, dating back to 1996.
