Pierce runs for 165 yards to lead Delaware in a 26-3 win over South Dakota St.

Delaware beats South Dakota St. 26-3

NEWARK, Del. — Delaware running back Andrew Pierce rushed 26 times for 165 yards and a touchdown as the Blue Hens defeated South Dakota St. 26-3 on Saturday.

The Blue Hens (2-0) jumped out to 17-0 lead in the opening quarter thanks to a 7-yard touchdown pass from Pat Devlin to wideout Phillip Thaxton and a 3-yard touchdown run from Pierce.

South Dakota St. (0-1) quarterback Thomas O’Brien threw three interceptions and failed to gain any momentum against a Delaware defense that held the Jackrabbits to just 25 yards rushing on 17 attempts.

Delaware’s ground attack was too much for South Dakota St. as the Blue Hens ran for 257 yards, capped off by a 27-yard touchdown run from David Hayes late in the fourth quarter.

South Dakota St. wide receiver Tyrel Kool had a game-high nine receptions for 107 yards in the loss.