September 1, 2001

A quick 10-0 deficit and a balanced Marietta College offense were more than Bluffton College could overcome as the Beavers fell to the Pioneers 24-13 in the 2001 season opener Saturday afternoon in Salzman Stadium.

BC held possession of the football for over seven minutes longer than Marietta, but were unable to hit the big play and committed three turnovers.

Marietta's Josh McFadden returned the opening kickoff 53 yards to the Bluffton 36 yard line and four plays later MC quarterback Shawn Taylor hit Darren Lott for a three yard touchdown. Marietta then recovered the ensuing kickoff and Bob Lemasters connected on a 27 yard field goal to put the Pioneers up 10-0 with just three and a half minutes gone by in the game.

Marietta outgained Bluffton 357-283 in total yardage and held BC without a 100-yard offensive back in both rushing or passing.

Bluffton's Adam Burgess connected on two field goals (20 and 39 yards) and quarterback Brad Moore hit Jon Spradling on a nine yard TD pass in the second quarter.

Linebacker Chris Sommers led the defense with 13 tackles, while Ben Schwab recorded nine tackles and a fumble recovery.