POUGHKEEPSIE, N.Y. -- Drake's defense converted six turnovers into scores en route to spoiling the debut of Marist in the Pioneer Football League with a 34-6 victory Saturday.

The Red Foxes played last season as an FCS independent before becoming the tenth member of the PFL.

The loss marked Marist's worst home loss since suffering a 33-0 setback to Fordham Oct. 27, 2007.

Trailing 6-3, Drake reeled off 31 straight points scoring on all six red zone opportunities inside the 20 yardline.

Drake held the Red Foxes to 181 yards total offense, including just 38 yards on the ground on 36 carries.

"Everything we did today was fed off our defense and special teams," said Drake football coach Chris Creighton. "We imposed our will and got turnovers. This was one of the first times our offense anteed up and did well once we were in the red zone."

The Bulldogs recorded six quarterback sacks totaling 55 yards in losses.

Fifth-year senior all-conference J-back Steve Platek set a school nonscholarship record with 13 receptions for 112 yards, capping the day with a 10-yard touchdown reception from Michael Piatkowski with 7:56 left in the game.

Aaron Overton held the previous Drake single-game mark of 12 receptions at Truman State in 2002.

"Steve (Platek) had a really good game," Creighton said. "He didn't get to play last week. He put three games into one today. He is a warrior and perfect for our position."

Piatkowski completed 22 of 33 passes for 184 yards, while senior Brandon Wubs kicked field goals of 27 and 29 yards for Drake.

"I'm so proud to be coaching this team," Creighton added. "This was our first road trip of the season against a team we respect while never having played. But with all the unknowns and the long travel, our kids had the right mindset and they were locked in all week in preparing for Marist.

On Marist's second play of the game, Drake linebacker Ben Morrison stripped running back O'Neil Anderson of the football at the seven yard line with cornerback Lucas Mosier recovering to set up Wubs' first field goal.

Piatkowski teamed up with Platek on consecutive passes of 26 and 15 yards early in the second quarter that set up a 14-yard touchdown run by Tom Kostek which gave Drake a 10-6 lead it never relinquished.

A 26-yard interception return by sophomore free safety Nick Chenier halted the opening drive by Marist to start the second half while setting up Drake's second touchdown. A  six-yard touchdown gallop by sophomore Patrick Oliver with 10:10 left in the third quarter capped an eight-play 34-yard scoring drive.

Fifth-year senior Spencer Cady rounded out Drake's scoring with a two-yard touchdown burst with 3:51 left in the game. The scoring drive was set up after linebacker Cale Hunt intercepted a pass at the Marist 31-yard line.

Hunt led Drake with 10 tackles, while Mosier and senior end Josh Walkup added eight tackles apiece. Mosier added an 11-yard quarterback sack.

Junior defensive back Tyler Moorehead forced two fumbles while Morrison, senior end John Meehan and sophomore nose guard David Witkiewicz recovered fumbles.

Drake will travel to South Dakota next Saturday.