NEC Blitz Game of the Week (Week 3): Central Connecticut State at Saint Francis
Date: Saturday, September 14, 2024
Time: 12:00 PM ET
Location: DeGol Field, Loretto, Pa.
TV: NEC Front Row
This Week 3 matchup between Central Connecticut State (1-1) and Saint Francis (PA) (1-1) promises to be a pivotal early-season clash, especially with both teams coming off impressive performances. Central Connecticut will travel to Loretto, Pennsylvania, after dominating Fordham 33-3 in their home opener, while Saint Francis seeks to build on their historic 23-17 upset over FBS opponent Kent State.
Central Connecticut State (1-1)
After a tough loss to Central Michigan in Week 1, the Blue Devils rebounded in a big way, overwhelming Fordham with a combination of strong defense and opportunistic offense. Central Connecticut capitalized on five Fordham fumbles, scoring on a fumble return touchdown and adding a safety to break the game open.
The Blue Devils were led by quarterback Brady Olson, who threw for 223 yards and 2 touchdowns, including a highlight-worthy 32-yard touchdown pass to Eli Daniels. The defense, led by Vincent Thomas’ fumble recovery for a touchdown, stifled Fordham’s offense, holding them to 188 total yards.
Key Players:
Brady Olson (QB): 223 yards, 2 TDs
Elijah Howard (RB): 24-yard rushing TD
Eli Daniels (WR): 32-yard receiving TD
Vincent Thomas (Defense): Fumble recovery TD
Saint Francis (PA) (1-1)
The Red Flash are riding high after their historic victory over Kent State, where redshirt freshman quarterback Jeff Hoenstine made his first career start and delivered in a big way. Hoenstine threw for 195 yards, including a 64-yard touchdown pass to Gavin Thomson, and added 50 rushing yards and a 2-yard rushing touchdown of his own.
Saint Francis will look to keep their momentum going as they return to DeGol Field for their home opener. With Hoenstine showing confidence and poise in his debut, and head coach Chris Villarrial pulling the right strings, Saint Francis is poised to put up another strong performance.
Key Players:
Jeff Hoenstine (QB): 195 passing yards, 1 TD, 50 rushing yards, 1 TD
Gavin Thomson (WR): 64-yard receiving TD
Mac Plummer (K): 3-for-3 on field goals
Key Matchup: Blue Devils Defense vs. Jeff Hoenstine
Central Connecticut’s defense forced five fumbles against Fordham and will need to put pressure on Jeff Hoenstine, the breakout star of Week 2, if they want to slow down Saint Francis’ offense. The Red Flash will be eager to see if Hoenstine can replicate his big performance against a strong defensive unit, while Central Connecticut’s secondary will be tested against Hoenstine’s ability to stretch the field.
What’s at Stake
Both teams are looking to start NEC play strong, and this matchup could be an early indicator of which team is ready to contend for the conference title. Saint Francis will want to defend their home field after a huge road win, while Central Connecticut seeks to prove that their dominant performance against Fordham was no fluke.
Prediction:
Expect a hard-fought, low-scoring game with both teams leaning on their defenses to make big plays. Hoenstine’s playmaking ability could be the difference, but Central Connecticut’s ability to force turnovers will keep this game close. Saint Francis has the edge playing at home and riding the momentum from their FBS win.
Final Score Prediction:
Saint Francis 20, Central Connecticut 17
