CCSU Preview

The Bulldogs host the Central Connecticut State University Blue Devils on Saturday at The Bowl. Kickoff is slated for 12 PM ET and the game will air on ESPN+.

CCSU enters the contest with a 2-2 record with its two losses coming to FBS squads. The Blue Devils lost a close contest last week against UMASS by just 4 points and will be seeking to keep their undefeated streak against FCS opponents going this week.

CCSU’s offense is led by junior QB Brady Olson (6’4”, 200 lbs.) who played in 19 games for UMASS prior to transferring to CCSU this season. Olson has completed 50.4% of his passes for 634 yards, 5 touchdowns, and 3 interceptions on the season. The Blue Devils also like bringing in junior QB Ricky Ortega (5’11”, 185 lbs.), a dual threat transfer from Villanova, on short running situations.  Junior RB Elijah Howard (5’11”, 176 lbs.) is another FBS transfer joining the Blue Devils after a stint at Virginia Tech. Howard is a very elusive back that was a 2nd Team All-NEC selection a year ago after ranking 19th in the FCS for all-purpose yardage. Senior WR Michael Plaskon (5’9″, 190 lbs.) is a surehanded and shifty receiver that has hauled in 18 receptions for 219 yards and a score. Senior WR Paul Marsh, Jr. (6’1”, 205 lbs.) is a very physical receiver that can leap over defenders for tough catches. CCSU’s offensive line averages 303.0 lbs. across the board and has allowed just two sacks on the season. At several positions, there will be difficult matchups for our defense, but this week needs to be a return to the fundamentals for the Bulldogs. Finding a way to generate a pass rush, fill gaps and blanket receivers in this contest will hopefully provide a roadmap for the difficult conference schedule ahead.

CCSU’s defense is very opportunistic and has recovered 8 fumbles, scored 2 defensive touchdowns and sacked opponents 16 times. The unit is very stiff against the running game allowing just 106.5 yards per game, although they’ve been a bit more lenient against the pass allowing 237.8 passing yards per game. The defense is led by junior S Kimal Clark (5’10”, 200 lbs.), a returning 1^st Team All-NEC selection in 2023 who is off to a hot start to the season with 46 tackles and a fumble recovery. Junior LB Malachi Wright (6’1”, 225 lbs.) is a local product from West Haven who has played very well with 26 tackles, 3.5 tackles for loss and a sack. Junior Jack Stoll (6’0”, 200 lbs.) has been a physical presence at the inside linebacker position with 21 tackles, 2 tackles for loss, and 2 sacks. The defensive line is led by senior Jalen Howard (6’1”, 265 lbs.), a transfer from Villanova who has already racked up 5 sacks. The secondary features several transfers such as senior Davone Walden, Jr. (6’1”, 185 lbs.), a UNLV transfer, and junior Deon McLean (6’0”, 200 lbs.), a UCONN transfer. CCSU’s defense is a hard-hitting unit that flows well to the ball and is rarely out of position. With Pantelis and Shipp playing at such a high level, Yale must find creative ways to get them the ball without placing too much pressure on our inexperienced signal callers. The offensive line will have their hands full this week against talented defensive linemen and linebackers, so it will be very interesting to see how they respond after such a poor outing at Cornell.

Junior K Jack Barnum (6’1”, 200 lbs.) has made 5 of 7 field goal attempts with a long of 50 yards this season. Senior P Aidan Clark (6’3”, 255 lbs.) has a stellar punting average of 44.0 yards with an unheard-of long punt of 84 yards this season. Senior RB Jadon Turner (5’10”, 180 lbs.) is the most explosive returner the Bulldogs have faced this season, so Yale’s coverage teams must improve considerably from last week to keep him in check. As always, the contest could come down to special teams play, so hopefully Reno and Vashel have prepared thoroughly to defeat an instate rival.

Go Bulldogs! Beat the Blue Devils!