CCSU Football vs. Merrimack

I arrived at Arute Field on Central Connecticut State University’s campus set on the outskirts of New Britain a half hour before kickoff and was lucky to get a spot in the game side parking lot.  Still a very convenient spot I’d say.  I only was able to stay for one half but the writing seemed on the wall as I left with the score 31-7 CCSU with 50 seconds left in the second quarter.  (The fact that it was 38-7 by halftime suggests they scored again as I was pulling out of the parking lot, pretty amazing.)

The CCSU Football team, an FCS (Divison 1-AA) team was coming off a loss to Towson and was welcoming in the Division 2 Merrimack Warriors to town.  The game started off slowly with both teams trading running attacks back and forth, but Central would soon explode with a passing offense as well. I don’t have the play by play with me, but Central’s Josue Paul broke free on what was basically a running play to make it 50 or so yards for the Touchdown.  Central also completed a pass with a similar result as the Wide receiver broke free for a TD as well.  They utilized the Quarterback sneaks very well and Ryan Holmes and Aubrey Norris both broke from the pocket when necessary.   Central, facing a 4th and goal situation also ran a fake Field Goal and tossed a TD pass to make the game 30-7 in the waning minutes of the half.  The Blue Devils were also playing solid defense sacking Merrimack’s Colin Temple several times, and creating and capitalizing on several Merrimack fumbles as well as at least one interception.  CCSU did have a fumble in their own running game. They also gave up a touchdown on special teams (I believe on a punt.) and followed it up with the a  kick off return fumble which Merrimack recovered.  CCSU was able to stop the threat deep in their territory and I believe got out of it with a fumble recovery of their own.

Central may be D1AA and Merrimack D2, but the hustle and skill at the plays seemed to put Central in line to be a very dangerous team no matter who they face. I look forward to seeing them again.  Next week they welcome in D2 Southern Connecticut. Merrimack returns to conference play home against Bryant.

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