ALFRED, N.Y. - Husson rushed for 356 yards and five touchdowns Saturday, leading to a 44-2 win at Alfred State (N.Y.) at Pioneer Stadium. The Eagles improve to 3-1 all-time against the Pioneers and earn their first win at Pioneer Stadium.
John Smith had over 100 rushing yards in the first quarter and finished with 184 yards on 29 carries and three touchdowns, while Logan Steward added 128 yards on 18 rushes, including a 49-yard touchdown scamper early in the fourth quarter. Smith and Steward each topped the century mark on the ground last season against Castleton (Vt.), the last time Husson (1-1) had two 100-yard rushers in a game.
The Eagles 69 carries Saturday are second most in a game to the 73 against Norwich (Vt.) in 2008.
The Eagles defense smothered Alfred State (0-2) to the tune of just 41 yards of total offense, fewest allowed in a single game, including minus-nine net yards rushing, second fewest allowed in Husson history. The 14 tackles for loss by the Eagles are tied for second most in a game in school history. The Eagles allowed just 0.7 yards per play, breaking the previous record of just 1.8 allowed to SUNY Maritime (N.Y.) in 2014. The 11.0 passing efficiency by the Pioneers is the lowest ever allowed by the Eagles, breaking the previous mark of 13.5 in 2004 by Worcester Poly Tech (Mass.).
Husson's Kenny Sweet totaled three interceptions, tying the school's single-game record set by Adam Scott and Chad Bennett (twice), all done in 2004. He also had four pass breakups. Sweet's 100 yards on interception returns is second most in a game next to Scott. His 225 career return yards are now most in school history, breaking Scott's previous mark of 210.
Husson forced four turnovers Saturday and has forced seven turnovers in the first two contests this year.
Husson racked up 411 yards of total offense.
The Eagles 79 punt return yards Saturday are the most ever for Husson in a single game.
After giving up a safety on a bad snap on a punt, Husson rattled off 44 unanswered points, starting with Smith's one-yard plunge into the endzone midway through the first quarter to cap a seven-play, 55-yard drive.
Deon Wiggins returned a punt 55 yards for a score nearly two minutes later to make the score 14-3.
Smith's second rushing touchdown on the day, this time from six yards out, came 29 seconds into the second quarter to finish off an 11-play, 92-yard drive. His third score came from three yards out to cap a 14-play, 75-yard march. Alfred fell on its own fumble in the endzone with just under five minutes remaining before halftime, giving the Eagles another two points and a 30-2 edge.
The Pioneers best offensive scoring chance came with under two minutes left in the second quarter when the home team drove to the Husson 20, but Sweet intercepted a Jason McMahon pass and returned it 83 yards to the Alfred 17, preserving the four-touchdown, halftime upper hand.
After a scoreless third quarter, Steward's touchdown burst came on the second play from scrimmage in the fourth, as he accounted for all 58 yards and two plays of the series.
The Eagles final scoring drive was set up when Joe Farrell blocked a Zack Goodwin punt, which was recovered at the Alfred State 12. Two plays later, Stephen Day crossed the goal line from three yards out with 5:17 left in the game.
Husson attempted just 11 passes in the contest. Kadeem Edge caught one pass for 35 yards in the win.
Ryan Malcolm and Tom Black each had one sack for the Eagles. Luke Washburn totaled 2.5 tackles for loss.
Kenneth Nelson had 13 tackles and 0.5 tackles for loss in defeat.
Husson is off for two weeks before returning to the field Saturday, Oct. 3, against Castleton (Vt.) on Homecoming. Kickoff is set for 1 p.m. ET at Winkin Sports Complex.