Jim Stankiewicz Photo
Jim Stankiewicz Photo

Bryant grinds out 14-7 victory at Merrimack

NORTH ANDOVER, Mass. – The Bryant University football team rushed for 205 yards and held Merrimack to just 178 yards of total offense in a 14-7 victory on Sunday afternoon at Duane Stadium.

Daniel Adeboboye paced the Bryant ground game with 141 yards on 21 carries, while Shai Young added 54 and Ryan Clark chipped in 28. The Bulldogs rushed for 200+ yards as a team for the first time since Nov. 17, 2018 at Howard.

Defensively, the Black and Gold limited Merrimack to just eight first downs and had 5.0 sacks. Derrius Perryman and Joe Andreessen each finished with eight tackles, with Andreessen adding 3.0 TFLs.

Game Information
Bryant 14, Merrimack 7
Records: Bryant (1-1, 1-1 NEC), Merrimack (0-1, 0-1 NEC)
Location: Duane Stadium (North Andover, Mass.)

Key Moment

  • With the game tied in the third quarter, Adeboboye was stripped at the goal line but Jihad Edmond recovered the ball in the endzone for the game-deciding score.

How it Happened

  • Bryant opened the game with an eight-play, 49-yard scoring drive. Adeboboye posted runs of seven, 14, and nine to put the ball inside the Merrimack 20. Edmond then made a six-yard reception before a roughing the passer call gave Bryant first-and-goal. Young punched it home from three yards out to open the scoring.
  • The Black and Gold defense held Merrimack in check for most of the half, posting three sacks and forcing a fumble. Jack Daly and Kenny Dyson Jr. each collected solo sacks, while Clayton McAlpine and Chidi Nna teamed to take down the QB.
  • Derrius Perryman then got into the act as his bone-crunching hit lodged the ball free and Connor Payne was able to recover.
  • Merrimack, however, was able to tie the game with just three seconds left in the first half. Anthony broke off a 44-yard run to put the ball at the Bryant 20. Anthony then threw up a jump ball while being hit and the pass deflected off two Bulldogs and into the hands of a Warrior receiver for the touchdown.
  • Bryant grabbed the lead by opening the second half with a 10-play, 75-yard scoring drive that took 5:15. Adeboboye opened the drive with a 20-yard scamper and Young's 29-yard run put the ball at the Merrimack 11. Clark hurtled a Merrimack defender to put the ball inside the 5 and two plays later Adeboboye lost the ball going for the goal line. Edmond, however, alertly picked up the ball for the score.
  • The Black and Gold defense did the rest, limiting Merrimack to just two first downs the rest of the game.

Stats

  • Bryant outgained Merrimack, 237-178.
  • The Bulldogs had 17 first downs and limited Merrimack to eight.
  • Bryant allowed Merrimack just two first downs in the second half.
  • The Bulldogs rushed for 205 yards as a team.
  • Bryant held Merrimack to a 1-of-12 showing on third down.
  • Adeboboye rushed for 141 yards on 21 carries.
  • Young added 54 yards and a touchdown on 15 carries.
  • Ryan Clark rushed for 28 yards on nine carries.
  • Edmond caught a team-high four passes and also scored a touchdown.
  • Andreessen posted eight tackles, 1.0 sack and 3.0 TFLs.
  • Perryman added eight tackles, a sack and a forced fumble.
  • Daly and Dyson Jr. each posted a sack. Nna and McAlpine shared a sack, with Nna finishing with 1.5 TFLs.

Game Notes

  • Bryant held an opponent to seven points or less for the first time since Sept. 5, 2015 against American International. It's the first DI opponent they've held to seven points or less since Nov. 1, 2014 against CCSU.
  • The Bulldogs have now won nine-straight games against the Warriors.
  • Adeboboye posted his second-career 100-yard game.
  • Young scored his first-career TD in the victory.
  • Perryman, Dyson Jr., Nna and McAlpine all picked up their first-career sacks.
  • Andreessen now has 7.5 TFLs in the first two games.

Up Next

Bryant welcomes Wagner to Beirne Stadium next Sunday. Kickoff is set for 1:00 p.m.