October 16, 2010

BRYANT FOOTBALL DROPS THIRD ROAD GAME OF THE SEASON
Bulldogs Fall Short to Monmouth , 21-12

WEST LONG BRANCH, N.J. – Trailing 18-0 midway through the second quarter, the Bryant University football team would get a 3-yard touchdown run by quarterback Mike Croce (Waterbury, Conn.) in the second quarter, and a 25-yard touchdown reception by Jordan Harris (Lincoln University, Pa.) late in the fourth, but it was not enough as host Monmouth University held on for a 21-12 Northeast Conference football victory over the Bulldogs Saturday.

Bryant, with the loss, drops to 4-3 overall, 1-2 the NEC while Monmouth improves to 2-4, 2-1 in league.  

On a windy afternoon at Kessler Field, special teams played a key role in determining the outcome.  Monmouth got on the board first, blocking a Bryant punt attempt which was recovered by Bryant in the end zone for a safety. 

After blocking two punts and missing two extra points, the Monmouth University special teams proved to be the difference, as Bryant University football dropped to 1-3 in the Northeast Conference and 4-3 overall after falling 21-12 to Monmouth Saturday afternoon.

Croce's touchdown run just before halftime, capped an 11-play, 67-yard drive and marked his first rushing touchdown of the season as the Bulldogs went into the locker room at the half trailing 18-6.  Running back Jordan Brown (Glastonbury, Conn.) played a key role in moving the ball as the sophomore rushed seven times during the drive and finished the game with 67 yards rushing in the game to go with 43 yards receiving.                                                                                                                       

Monmouth would stretch the lead to 21-6 with a 33-yard field goal from Eric Spillane with 6:26 left to go in the game, but the Bulldogs would make it interesting in the final minutes. 

With just 30 seconds left on the game clock, Croce connected with Harris for a 25-yard score to pull the Bulldogs to within 21-12, but the Hawks would recover the ensuing on-side kick by Bryant and successfully ran out the clock to pick up the victory.

Croce completed 12 of 21 passes for 144 yards including four completions to Harris who had 77 yards receiving on the day.

Linebackers Jason Riffe (Newton, Mass.) and Franck Tebou (Mattapoisett, Mass.) combined for 19 tackles and six tackles for a loss while freshman Max Machado (Berkely Heights, N.J.), playing in his home state of New Jersey, finished with a season –high six tackles and added two pass breakups.

Bryant will be idle next week and will return to action October 30 hosting Albany for Parents & Family Weekend at Bulldog Stadium.