Bryant hosts Wagner for Homecoming

Game Notes

SMITHFIELD, R.I. – Expecting a fervent turnout from the Bulldog faithful on Homecoming and Reunion Weekend, the Bryant University football team will look for its third-straight win when it hosts Wagner College on Saturday, Sept. 24, at Bulldog Stadium.

The Bulldogs are coming off a resounding 26-6 victory over Sacred Heart last Friday in their conference opener. Bryant was led by junior running back Jordan Brown (Glastonbury, Conn.) and senior tight end Matt Tracey (Littleton, Colo.). Brown compiled 334 all-purpose yards and returned a punt 53 yards for a touchdown. The 334 yards are the second-most in a single game in program history and his 248 rushing yards were the third-most in a single game. Tracey caught two touchdown passes and is now tied with Justin Kix ('06) for the most touchdown receptions in program history with 14. He also passed the 1,000 receiving yards plateau, ranking third with 1,001 yards in his career.

Saturday's contest is shaping up to be a grind it out battle between two of the Northeast Conference's top runners. Wagner features the explosive Dominique Williams in its backfield and is coming off a near upset of Central Connecticut State on Saturday. The Seahawks rallied back from 14-0 down to the tie the game, 21-21, in the third quarter but a Blue Devil interception halted their final drive with 2:39 to play in the game, securing a 28-24 victory for CCSU. After missing all of 2010 with an injury, Williams has rushed for 366 yards and four touchdowns on 69 carries through the first three games of 2011.

Bryant is in search of its second 2-0 start to NEC play in four years and has never lost a Homecoming game under head coach Marty Fine, going 7-0. The Bulldogs hosted Wagner on Homecoming in 2009 and came away with a 6-2 victory. Bryant holds a 2-1 lead in the all time series, defeating the Seahawks 24-14 in 2008 for their first victory against a Division I opponent.