Holy Cross Looks for Non-Conference Win Over Bryant

Saturday, October 31, 2015

Joe Calabro, GoLocalWorcester Sports Team

Holy Cross coach Tom Gilmore

The Holy Cross Crusaders (3-4, 1-2 PL) take a break from Patriot League play when they host (4-3, 2-1 NEC) Bryant University this afternoon at Fitton Field. This is the second meeting all-time between the two schools and the first since 2013 when Bryant won 17-16 in Smithfield.

“Coming off a big victory last weekend, we are looking to continue our improvement in order to string back-to-back wins together for the first time this season. Bryant has won some games and been very competitive in others this year, and we expect more of the same from them this week," said Crusaders head coach Tom Gilmore.

Holy Cross is coming off of a dominant 42-0 win over Lafayette in their last game and are looking for a second straight win in what is their second to last home game of the season.

What Holy Cross needs to do to win

Bryant comes into the game with a potent offense, averaging 384 yards of total offense led by quarterback Dalton Easton and running back Ricardo McCray. Easton has thrown 12 touchdown passes on the season while McCray has rushed for six scored and 690 yards on 105 carries.

The Crusaders defense may have to pick their poison in this game, either look to contain the Bryant run attack or focus in on the wide receivers. One thing that the Crusaders won't see is Bryant's offense giving away possessions. Bryant has only turned the ball over seven times this entire season. If they do happen to turn it over, Holy Cross better cash in because it will probably be the only one.

Offensively, the Crusaders rolled through their last game and now face a Bryant defense that is giving up 22 points per game. Bryant's defense allows 244 passing yards per game so quarterback Peter Pujals should be able to have success. The Crusaders offense has averaged nearly 300 passing yards and 30 points per game this season, on paper, this is a favorable matchup.

To win the game, Holy Cross will need to take advantage of any Bryant mistakes and play solid defense against a potent Bryant offense.

Second to last home game

The Holy Cross Crusaders play their final non-conference game and their second to last home game of the season. Immediately following this game, the Crusaders are on the road for two straight games.

Kickoff is set for 1 p.m.

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