The Denison University Big Red on Saturday squeaked out a 17-12 victory over visiting Hiram College at Deeds Field-Piper Stadium in Granville, Ohio.
While Denison dominated much of the game, a sloppy performance kept the Big Red from putting the contest out of reach. Instead, the Big Red defense was forced to put up a big stand late in the fourth quarter to ensure a victory.
In the closing minutes of the fourth quarter with Denison holding onto a 17-7 lead, the Big Red looked to put the game away, but instead coughed up the ball at the goal line. Hiram returned the ball to the Denison 21 and settled for a field goal.
On the ensuring kickoff, Hiram pinned Denison deep in its own territory before stuffing the Big Red for a safety and closing the gap to 17-12. That set up a big defensive stand for Denison as the Big Red defense stopped the Terriers on a desperate fourth and 15 attempt to seal the win.
Denison quarterback Brandon Sklenar threw for 238 yards and a touchdown while running back Colin Morris ran for 67 yards and a touchdown.
With the win in a tough North Coast Athletic Conference match-up, Denison goes to 2-0 on the year. Hiram falls to 1-1 on the season.