Easton throws 4 TD passes, Bryant beats D-II Merrimack 41-20

SMITHFIELD, R.I. (AP) Dalton Easton threw four touchdown passes - three to Taylor Barthelette - and Bryant turned a close game into a runaway, knocking off

SMITHFIELD, R.I. (AP) Dalton Easton threw four touchdown passes - three to Taylor Barthelette - and Bryant turned a close game into a runaway, knocking off Division II Merrimack 41-20 on Saturday in the season opener for both teams.

Merrimack pulled to within two points on Nick Davis' 40-yard touchdown pass to Devin O'Reilly with 3:15 left in the first half. But Bryant responded immediately, going 67 yards in three plays, culminating with a 16-yard touchdown pass from Easton to Barthelette with 26 seconds before intermission to make it 21-13.

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After the break, Brenden Femiano picked up a pair of short touchdown runs and Bryant won easily.

Easton finished 13 of 20 for 223 yards, Femiano added 98 yards on 10 carries and Barthelette had seven catches for 109 yards.

Merrimack actually dominated time of possession and had more first downs, but committed 14 penalties for 128 yards. Davis went 24 of 45 for 317 yards.