Post by rgs318 on Sept 17, 2022 20:42:14 GMT -5
WORCESTER, Mass. – There was little question the Yale football team faced a big challenge in its season opener. Holy Cross entered ranked No. 12 in the FCS national coaches' poll and was coming off an upset of FBS Buffalo last week. The Crusaders certainly lived up to their lofty status, knocking off the Bulldogs 38-14 on a gorgeous afternoon at Fitton Field. Yale's touchdowns came on a 1-yard run from Nathan Denney early in the second quarter, and when quarterback Austin Tutas connected with Ryan Lindley for an 8-yard scoring play in the fourth quarter.
After a scoreless opening 15 minutes, the Crusaders struck first when quarterback Matthew Sluka scrambled in from two yards out early in the second quarter. The Bulldogs answered with an impressive 8-play, 78-yard drive capped by Denney's 1-yard TD run. The highlight of the drive was Denney's 34-yard run that moved Yale deep into Crusader territory. Holy Cross, though, added a pair of touchdowns before halftime.
The Crusaders, who were playing their third game of the season, then scored two touchdowns in the third quarter to seize control. "We were in it for a bit, but we really didn't play our game in the second half," said Tony Reno, the Joel. E. Smilow '54 Head Coach of the Bulldogs. "We had opportunities to make plays offensively and defensively, and we didn't have a coordinated effort. We have a lot of growing to do between now and next week to get better and put our best foot forward in week two. I still love this team, and we'll be back."
Quarterback Nolan Grooms rushed for 58 yards and first year Joshua Pitsenberger added 50 yards on nine carries. David Pantelis had a team-high 54 yards receiving on five receptions. Mason Tipton also added five catches. Wande Owens paced the defense with 11 tackles, while Osorachukwu Ifesinachukwu had a pair of sacks.
Holy Cross (3-0) advanced to the second round of the NCAA FCS Playoffs last year and appears poised to make a longer run this year. "I give them a lot of credit. They are a very good football team," Reno said. "They made plays, and they didn't make a lot of mistakes."
After a scoreless opening 15 minutes, the Crusaders struck first when quarterback Matthew Sluka scrambled in from two yards out early in the second quarter. The Bulldogs answered with an impressive 8-play, 78-yard drive capped by Denney's 1-yard TD run. The highlight of the drive was Denney's 34-yard run that moved Yale deep into Crusader territory. Holy Cross, though, added a pair of touchdowns before halftime.
The Crusaders, who were playing their third game of the season, then scored two touchdowns in the third quarter to seize control. "We were in it for a bit, but we really didn't play our game in the second half," said Tony Reno, the Joel. E. Smilow '54 Head Coach of the Bulldogs. "We had opportunities to make plays offensively and defensively, and we didn't have a coordinated effort. We have a lot of growing to do between now and next week to get better and put our best foot forward in week two. I still love this team, and we'll be back."
Quarterback Nolan Grooms rushed for 58 yards and first year Joshua Pitsenberger added 50 yards on nine carries. David Pantelis had a team-high 54 yards receiving on five receptions. Mason Tipton also added five catches. Wande Owens paced the defense with 11 tackles, while Osorachukwu Ifesinachukwu had a pair of sacks.
Holy Cross (3-0) advanced to the second round of the NCAA FCS Playoffs last year and appears poised to make a longer run this year. "I give them a lot of credit. They are a very good football team," Reno said. "They made plays, and they didn't make a lot of mistakes."