SALEM, Ore. — An offensive onslaught not seen since 2001 was more than enough for the Pacific Lutheran University football team on Saturday afternoon. Darius Chaffin threw for four touchdowns and ran for another as the Lutes scored 55 unanswered points in a 62-7 thrashing of Northwest Conference rival Willamette University.

The Lutes (3-3, 2-1 NWC) ran roughshod over the Bearcats (1-5, 0-3 NWC), racking up 572 yards of total offense, including 432 through the air in PLU's biggest scoring output since laying 62 on the University of Puget Sound during the 2001 campaign.

"We're very excited to see our offense and defense put up big numbers today," said Head Coach Brant McAdams.

"We're taking steps towards playing complimentary football and we'll get back to work this week to keep moving in that direction."

The Lutes established the tone early, scoring an opening drive touchdown after Chaffin hit Thor Stepina for a 30-yard score. 

The host Bearcats scored on their ensuing drive but it was all Lutes after that, scoring 55 unanswered for the blowout win.

Raysen Motoyama found paydirt from five yards out for the Lutes' second score of the opening quarter. A seven yard catch from Manuel Felan capped off a 96-yard drive early in the second quarter before Chaffin scrambled 21-yards for a TD later in the frame as the Lutes enjoyed a 28-7 lead at the halftime intermission.

Colby Rhinelander had a pick-six just 48-seconds into the second half, part of a 24-point onslaught in the third. Laakea Ane caught a pass from three-yards out for a score later in the frame before Patrick McInerny hauled in a catch and sprinted 38-yards for a 49-7 advantage.Cole Sargent booted a 29-yard field goal with 44 ticks left in the third to cap off the third quarter scoring frenzy. 

In the fourth, Logan Rodriguez hit Jase Ellamar on a 72-yard pass before Sargent connected on his second field goal of the day, splitting the uprights from 22-yards out. 

Chaffin was deadly accurate on Saturday, completing 22 of his 28 passes for 252 yards and four touchdowns while also adding a rushing touchdown. Backup Rodriquez slung it for 95 yards and a TD.

Noah Palitz had two carries for 51 yards while Motoyama had 49 yards on nine attempts.

Stepina had his second 100-yard game of the season, collecting seven catches for 100-yards and a score while Ellamar finished with two catches for 82 yards.

Jesse Canda and Nico Golla led the Lutes with seven tackles. Canda has an interception as did Mouse Williams and Rhinelander while Golla had a team-high 2.5 TFLs. 

Sargent scored 14 points on the day, hitting a pair of field goals and all eight extra points. 

The Lutes are back on the gridiron next Saturday, hosting Lewis & Clark College at Sparks Stadium.