The Marietta College Pioneers finished the first year of the Tom Kauffman era on a strong note, besting visiting Bluffton 38-14 Saturday at Don Drumm Stadium.

MC, which evened its record at 5-5, saw quarterback Joe Tenta and receiver John Sierputowski connect on three touchdown passes in the game. Tenta threw four TD passes altogether, going 17 for 30 for 283 yards and no turnovers. Sierputowski led all receivers with seven receptions for 120 yards.

The Pioneers trailed 14-9 before Sierputowski caught a pair touchdowns in the final four minutes of the first half to put MC in front 23-14 at halftime.

In the third quarter, Tenta found Dalton Miller on a 7-yard touchdown pass to extend the lead. With 10:25 remaining in the game, Tenta and Sierputowski put the final exclamation point on the game and the season with a 6-yard scoring connection.

Vante’ Hodges led Marietta on the ground with 84 yards on 14 carries. Benny Lewis, who put Marietta ahead 6-0 early on a 7-yard touchdown run, added 75 yards on 16 attempts.

Bluffton (5-5) took a 7-6 lead when Tywaun Clark scored on an 8-yard run. After James Cornwell’s 41-yard field goal put the Pios back on top, Bluffton answered on a 28-yard touchdown pass from Clark to Jawshawn Wyckoff.

Clark finished 13 for 21 for 148 yards. He was intercepted twice — once each by Jaylen Tinsley and Leo Grandizio. Mason Vawter and Bryant Young both recorded a sack for MC.