Rovers had 10 players ruled out but strode to victory against a completely out of touch Barnsley side.
New loan signings Kevin Horlock and David Weater played key roles in what was Rovers' second win in 10 games.
Northern Ireland international Hurlock had a hand in both goals and 18-year-old England youth international Wheater had an excellent game in defence.
Jason Price, making his home debut following a £50,000 move from Hull City, was Rovers' two-goal hero.
Price made the breakthrough with a well-placed header in the 36th minute after Hurlock and Leo Fortune-West had combined to set up the chance.
Doncaster had dominated the opening exchanges with Michael McIndoe firing just wide in the fifth minute and Price having a shot saved after dribbling through 20 minutes later.
Barnsley rarely got into their stride, although Chris Shuker had a fierce angled shot deflected following an isolated attack in the 24th minute.
Rovers had a chance to make it 2-0 just before the interval when David Mulligan saw a shot deflected straight into the path of Fortune-West but the big striker's angled drive was well saved by Nick Colgan.
There was a marginal improvement for Barnsley in the second half with Mulligan doing well to head off the line from Paul Hayes in the 50th minute, before Rovers resumed control.
Price added the second in the 59th minute after another superb pass from Horlock had begun the attack.
Substitute Daniel Nardiello went close with a chip shot in the 72nd minute, but overall this was a very poor display by the men from Oakwell.