Bulldogs host Wagner with NEC title on the line

FULL GAME NOTES

SMITHFIELD, R.I. – The Bryant University football team welcomes Wagner on Saturday, Nov. 22 with a share of the Northeast Conference Regular-Season Title on the line. The Bulldogs will also honor their senior class prior to the 12:00 p.m. kickoff.

GAME INFORMATION:
Date: Saturday, Nov. 22
Time: 12:00 p.m.
Listen: WOON 1240 (onworldwide.com)
Watch: NECFrontRow
Stats: Live Stats

LAST TIME OUT: BULLDOGS STOPPED BY SACRED HEART
Bryant was upended by Sacred Heart, 14-7, last Saturday in Fairfield, Conn. In a battle of the two top teams in the NEC, the Pioneers scored with 2:30 left to break the deadlock and earn the league's automatic bid to the FCS playoffs. The Bulldogs held the NECs most high powered offense to just 309 yards but went just 1-for-4 in the red zone on the afternoon. Dalton Easton threw for 192 yards but Bryant's league-leading run game was held to just 62 yards. Patrick Kenney led the defense with nine tackles, while Ricardo McCray's 10th touchdown run of the season was the only score.

SCOUTING THE SEAHAWKS
Wagner enters today's game as one of the hottest teams in the NEC. The Seahawks have won five of their last six games after starting the season 1-3. The only loss in that span was to Sacred Heart on Nov. 1. They have posted two shutouts this season and rank third in the country in run defense (85.7) and fifth in total defense (271.6).

The Seahawks have used a host of players on the offensive side of the ball this season. They enter the game averaging just 290 yards of total offense, including 155 per game on the ground. Six players have rushed for at least 100 yards with Otis Wright leading the way with 498 yards on 143 carries. Quarterback Chris Andrews presents a dual threat, rushing for 296 yards and four touchdowns, while throwing for 517 yards and two scores. Brian Gehring, the starting QB before he was injured, could see time on Saturday and has throw for 812 yards and six touchdowns.

Defense is where Wagner shines, holding opponents to just 17.8 points per game. The Seahawks have allowed just eight rushing touchdowns all season and have allowed just three teams to rush for over 100 yards this season. Two weeks ago, they held Robert Morris to -17 yards on the ground in a 20-0 victory. Max Wassel is the leader on defense with 75 tackles, 20 tackles for a loss and four sacks on the season. The player to watch is Jarrett Dieudonne. The senior corner back leads the country with seven interceptions and has returned three of them for touchdowns.

INSIDE THE SERIES
Bryant and Wagner will be meeting for the seventh time in program history this afternoon at Bulldog Stadium. The Bulldogs hold a 4-2 lead in the all-time series after earning a 47-28 victory last season on Staten Island.

QUEST FOR NINE
Bryant has equaled its program record for victories in a season with eight. Today, they will try and win nine games for the first time in program history.

SHARE OF LEAGUE TITLE ON THE LINE
A great deal is on the line today as Bryant and Wagner meet to wrap up the regular season. Whichever team comes out victorious will earn a share of the NEC Regular-Season title with Sacred Heart. The Pioneers hold the tiebreaker over both and have earned the NECs automatic bid to the FCS playoffs.

AT LARGE HOPES
A share of the regular season title is not the only thing on the line for the Bulldogs today. The Black and Gold are also playing for a possible at-large bid into the NCAA tournament. The 24-team playoff field consists of 11 automatic bids and 13 at-large bids. The selection show will air on Sunday, Nov. 23 at 11 a.m. on ESPNU.