ROCKY MOUNT, N.C. - Turnovers and special teams mistakes once again put the Shenandoah University in a hole they could not climb out of in a 31-17 USA South Conference loss at NC Wesleyan Saturday afternoon.

NC Wesleyan (3-4, 2-2 USA South) jumped out to a 21-3 lead by the end of the first quarter and cruised against visiting SU (1-6, 0-4).

The Bishops blocked a punt for their first touchdown of the game and converted a fumbled snap from center to take a 14-0 lead by the middle of the first.

The fumbled snaps came after Shenandoah was forced to insert backup quarterback Blake Derby after starter Jon Hoffman was injured on the Hornets third play from scrimmage. Following the game, Barnes announced that Hoffman would miss the rest of the season with a broken collarbone.

Derby overcame a shaky start to finish the game 4 for 16 for 64 yards and a touchdown through the air.

Down 31-3, Shenandoah's got its initial TD when sophomore Paul Diggs capped a 14-play, 84-yard drive with a 3-yard run on fourth and goal. The touchdown is the first of his SU career.

Derby then directed a five-play, 64-yard drive that ended with his 29-yard strike to freshman Ivan Fitchett.

Wesleyan was led by sophomore Javon Williams and his 16 carries for 113 yards and one rushing touchdown. He also had three catches for 77 yards, including a 50-yard catch and run midway through the third that turned out the lights on the Hornets comeback chances.

Shenandoah travels to Averett next week for a 12:30 kickoff against the Cougars.