St. Thomas running back Jordan Roberts scored two touchdowns to help the offense shake a slow start against Wis.-Eau Claire as the Tommies posted a 46-13 season-opening victory on Saturday at O’Shaughnessy Stadium.

Roberts rushed for 67 yards and two touchdowns on 16 carries and added 28 yards on three receptions in the first half after Eau Claire scored on its opening drive. Roberts accounted for nearly half of St. Thomas’ total yards for the half.

Quarterback Jacques Perra looked uncomfortable in the pocket to start the day as the Blugold defense consistently placed heavy pressure on the junior. Perra bounced back from a 3-of-9 start to complete nine of 18 passes for more than 120 yards and a touchdown.

The Tommie defense allowed a 66-yard touchdown run by Blugold quarterback JT DenHartog on the first drive of the game but tightened up and played solid football for the rest of the half. St. Thomas held the Blugolds to 36 yards total offense after the first drive.

Roberts, a sixth-year senior in his final year of NCAA eligibility, played in his first regular season game in a year. He sat out last season with injury.

The game marked the start of coach Glenn Caruso’s 10th year at St. Thomas. Check TommieMedia.com after the game for a full recap and @TommieMedia on Twitter for full second half coverage.

Noah Brown can be reached at brow7736@stthomas.edu.