Central Connecticut State 31, Towson 27
(Recap and links)
Quarterback Nick SanGiacomo and tailback Rob Holloman both played at another level before coming to Central Connecticut State and that's fitting because they played at another level yesterday in helping the Blue Devils to stunning win in their opener.
SanGiacomo, who came to Central Connecticut State a year ago from Tulane, completed 22-of-28 throws for 273 yards with two touchdowns and no interceptions as the Blue Devils won a back-and-forth affair on an 11-play, 80-yard drive that culminated with Holloman running in from the 1 with 36 seconds left. Holloman, who began his career at Kent State, finished with 161 yards and two touchdowns on 23 carries in addition to pulling in nine receptions for 48 yards. Also collecting a touchdown for CCSU was his brother Brandon, a transfer from Kansas, who caught a 5-yard pass for a score in the third quarter to give the Blue Devils their first lead, 13-7.
Towson beat No. 2 Eastern Illinois and No. 3 Eastern Washington last year before falling to No. 1 North Dakota State in the FCS national championship game. While they took a graduation hit they were still picked fifth in the powerful Colonial Athletic Association in the league's preseason poll.
Albany 14, Holy Cross 13
(Recap and links)
A year ago Holy Cross lost heartbreaker after heartbreaker, but that was nothing compared to what happened in this year's opener. With 44 seconds remaining, Albany safety Neil Morrison picked up a fumble and ran it back 79 yards for the score that with the extra point broke Holy Cross hearts once again.
The Crusaders got 323 yards and one touchdown passing from sophomore Peter Pujals, 75 yards rushing from Gabe Guild, 149 yards receiving from Jake Wieczorek and a solid defensive effort that limited Albany to 263 total yards. And they lost.
Toledo 54, New Hampshire 20
(Recap and links)
UNH had a 14-3 link over the Rockets midway through the second quarter and trailed by two points entering the third before the FBS team wore the Wildcats out. A touchdown with 4:33 left in the third pulled the visitors to within 30-20 but Toledo piled on 24 points in the final 16 minutes, capped by a field goal with 4:05 remaining.
While UNH had trouble running the ball (37 yards), quarterback Sean Goldrich was an efficient 27-for-39 for 291 yards with two touchdowns and no interceptions.
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What did we learn in Week One?Central Connecticut State is what we thought they were, but probably better. This is a team with some serious weapons on offense and questions on defense.
Holy Cross is still a work in progress, but giving up one touchdown defensively is a strong showing against anyone.
As for UNH, the Chip Kelly offense that allowed the Wildcats to post all those wins over FBS teams has largely been figured out and while the feeling remains that their defense has improved, they will be in a lot of high scoring games this year. This always sounds a little silly, but the key to beating the 'Cats might just be outscoring them.
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The local daily has a look at 6-foot-5 sophomore receiver Joseph Cook as well as a few notes out of practice HERE.
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Check BGA Premium for coverage of yesterday's practice and be sure to come back this evening for a look at today's practice.