HANOVER, N.H. (AP) Nick Howard ran for a pair of touchdowns, Zack Bair had a career day on the ground and Dartmouth Big Green opened its season with a 35-13 victory over Valparaiso Beacons on Saturday.

The two-time defending Ivy League champions were a preseason pick with Harvard as co-favorites for this season. Dartmouth has won 12 straight season openers - the longest active streak in the FCS - and 20 nonconference games in a row.

Howard only had 85 yards passing as the Big Green stayed on the ground, rushing for 308 yards, led by Bair's 169 on 16 carries, including a score.

Dartmouth outgained the Beacons (1-2) 393-263. The 308 rushing yards marked the first time the Big Green went over 300 on the ground since 2018 when they rushed for 365 against Brown.

Howard had a pair of 1-yard scores in the first half when the Big Green took a 21-10 lead.

Mickey Appel threw for 189 yards for the Beacons.

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