Weekly Notes | Holy Cross Football at Bryant

Holy Cross (0-2) at Bryant (1-1)
Saturday, Sept. 14
2 p.m. Kickoff
Beirne Stadium | Smithfield, R.I.

The Holy Cross football team will take a short road trip to Bryant University for a non-conference contest on Saturday, Sept. 14. Kickoff is set for 2 p.m. in Smithfield, R.I.

The Crusaders suffered a close setback in their most recent contest, a 21-20 loss to the University of New Hampshire in Holy Cross’ home opener. Senior quarterback Joe Pesansky completed 19 of 29 passes for 301 yards on the day. He connected with senior tight-end Jacob Petersen for a 71-yard touchdown; Petersen finished the day with a career-best 110 receiving yards on six receptions. Senior receiver Justin Shorter had five catches totaling 95 yards. Senior running back Jordan Fuller rushed for 84 yards, including a nine-yard touchdown run.

Sophomore cornerback Cam Jones finished with a career-best 11 tackles on the day. Senior linebacker Frankie Monte totaled six tackles, contributing on a sack and also forcing a fumble. Senior safety Curtis Harris-Lopez had five tackles, including one for a loss of three yards, and an interception.

SERIES HISTORY

This will be the fourth meeting all-time between the Crusaders and the Bulldogs on the gridiron.

SERIES QUICK FACTS:
Overall | Holy Cross leads, 2-1  
In Smithfield | Bryant leads, 1-0  
At Beirne Stadium | Bryant leads, 1-0  
Current Win Streak | Holy Cross, two games  
First Matchup | 2013 (Bryant won, 17-16)  
Dan Curran vs. Bryant | 0-6  
Chris Merritt vs. Holy Cross | 0-1  
In Overtime | n/a 

LAST TIME THEY MET: The then-No. 5/6 Holy Cross football team held off Bryant to remain undefeated, winning 36-29 in nonconference action on Nov. 12, 2022 at Fitton Field.  The Crusaders (10-0) jumped out to a 22-0 lead through two quarters, with 268 yards of offense in the opening half, while holding the Bulldogs (3-7) to just 48 yards. However, Bryant surged in the second half, out-scoring the Crusaders 29-14 across the final two quarters. Holy Cross finished with 470 yards of offense, including 326 rushing yards – their fourth game in the last five with over 300 rushing yards – while also holding Bryant to just 56 rushing yards. Kicker Derek Ng broke his own record for the longest field goal in Holy Cross history, connecting on a 52-yarder with 3:48 to go in the second quarter. Running back Peter Oliver rushed for a season-high 140 yards and scored two touchdowns. Running back Jordan Fuller finished with 85 yards on the ground. Quarterback Matthew Sluka rushed for 72 yards while also throwing for 144 yards and a pair of touchdowns. Defensively, cornerback Devin Haskins and safety Walter Reynolds each had an interception; Reynolds also recovered a fumble and had a 32-yard return, while also breaking up three passes.

WITH A WIN, HOLY CROSS WOULD…

Improve to 28-6 in regular season games against FCS opponents since Spring 2021
Earn its third straight win against Bryant 
Earn its first-ever win at Bryant
Earn its first win in the state of Rhode Island since 2019 (def. Brown, 47-31)
Give Dan Curran his first win as head coach of the Holy Cross football program

FOLLOW THE CRUSADERS 
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