DOVER, DE -- Delaware State used a huge 248-yard performance on the ground, including 102 yards from Marquis Gillis, to pick up a 48-10 win against Saturday afternoon at home at Alumni.

The triumph improved Delaware State's record to 1-4 on the season while the Dragons fell to 0-5.

Gillis totaled 102 yards to lead the Hornets' ground attack in the game, picking up 6.4 yards per carry along the way. Gillis also tacked on 38 receiving yards. Michael Chris-Ike also tacked on 89 yards on the ground, picking up 8.9 yards per carry.

The most prolific target for Delaware State quarterbacks was Rahkeem Smith, who caught four passes for 67 yards and one score. Smith also had to two returns both resulting in touchdowns. An 88 yard kickoff return and a 60 yard punt return. 

Romell Harris-Freeman showed out for the Delaware State defense, totaling two interceptions. Eric Montes added five tackles, 2.5 TFL, and 2.5 sacks and Darren Cook had three tackles, 2.0 TFL, 1.5 sacks, and one forced fumble in the win.

The Hornets forced two turnovers in Saturday's contest, with Delaware State turning those takeaways into 14 points. Delaware State had a big showing on the ground, logging 248 rushing yards while averaging 5.6 yards per carry and out-rushing by 188 yards. The Delaware State offense did a good job prolonging drives, converting on 41.7 percent of third-down attempts.

Defensively, Delaware State did an excellent job neutralizing the offensive attack, holding the to 197 total yards. The Hornets kept under 150 yards on both the ground and through the air, allowing 137 passing and 60 rushing yards. The Hornets harassed the passing attack all game long, registering five sacks and grabbing two interceptions.

Delaware State put up 48 points on eight different scoring plays. The Hornets took the lead for good with 2:51 left in the second quarter, opening up a 14-10 advantage on the Dragons. Returned a kick 88 yards to the house. The Hornets then rode that lead to victory, increasing their advantage by 34 points along the way.

Takeaways 
Delaware State outgained 449-197, including a 248-60 advantage on the ground. Delaware State had their highest scoring quarter in the third period, when they put up 24 points. Delaware State converted 5 of 12 third downs while was successful on 4 of 15. Delaware State scored three touchdowns in the third quarter. Delaware State went 1-for-2 on fourth down, converting on 50 percent of attempts.
Delaware State won the time of possession battle 29:54 to 26:54. The Hornets ended the game on a high note, scoring 41 unanswered points to close out the contest. Marqui Adams completed 70.6% of his passes on the day, going 12-for-17 while averaging 11.6 yards per attempt. Cj Brooks led the passing attack, completing 15 of his 33 attempts for 137 yards and one touchdown with two interceptions. Jacob Walker led the rushing attack with 75 yards.

The Hornets return will hit the road again for the final non-conference match-up against Central Connecticut State University on Saturday, October 7. Kickoff is set for 1 p.m. ET.