Meitz throws 3 TD passes, Bailey adds 157 yards receiving as Stetson routs NAIA's Ave Maria 41-3

DELAND, Fla. (AP) — Brady Meitz threw for 338 yards and three touchdowns to lead Stetson to a 41-3 rout over NAIA-member Ave Maria on Saturday night in the season opener for both teams.

It was scoreless after the first quarter and just 6-3 at the break before Stetson scored 35 unanswered points in the second half.

Meitz hit Brayden Miller for an 18-yard touchdown, and his 5-yard scoring throw to Dalton Bailey stretched the Hatters' lead to 20-3 late in the third quarter. Meitz and Bailey connected again for a 22-yard touchdown early in the fourth that made it 34-3.

Meitz completed 26 of 38 passes. Bailey had eight catches for 157 yards.

Daniel Holbrook made field goals from 45 and 33 yards in the second quarter.

James Carlini kicked a 22-yard field goal for the Gyrenes, who generated just 174 yards of offense.

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The Associated Press