Bryant Bulldogs Preseason Preview

[dgreco]

Part 1: Receivers
http://bryantbulldogs.com/sports/fball/2009/News/2009Aug27ReceiversPreview
http://bryantbulldogs.com/images/fball/Action08/FB-VintonCelebrate.jpg?max_height=290&max_width=185
For the Bryant running game to be successful, the Bulldogs are going to have to find success in the passing game as well. Aside from having a new signal caller under center this year, head coach Marty Fine will need to find the replacement for last year's go-to receiver Ross Giffune who graduates after an outstanding season.

Giffune led the team with 29 catches for 340 yards but with his departure comes opportunities for others to step up. Junior Anthony DiNaso (Staten Island, NY) is the odds on favorite to take over as the top receiver. As a sophomore, DiNaso hauled in 24 passes for 303 yards- second on the team behind Giffune.

DiNaso is a physical wide out who can pick up extra yards after a catch. He had three touchdowns including two against Robert Morris and a season-best 70 yards receiving against Monmouth.

[Original_RMC]

I can't wait until Sept 26th when the Bulldogs come to Moon Township. I'm excited to see Bryant

[danefan]

I can't wait until Sept 26th when the Bulldogs come to Moon Township. I'm excited to see Bryant

I'm not. Bryant scares me a little. The type of team that a good team can overlook.

[dgreco]

I'm not. Bryant scares me a little. The type of team that a good team can overlook.

I think our only real chance for an upset will be Hofstra. If they are too wrapped up with the rivalry SBU game before and the huge Richmond game the following week, Bryant might have a small glimmer of hope.

[Original_RMC]

Only having 3 NEC games at home will be tough. WOW...didn't realize that until I just looked at their schedule.

But I think Bryant can have some success on the road.

IMO the game of the year for Bryant is against CCSU.

There could be a chance that if Bryant beats CCSU at home that they could win 3 out of their final 4 games.

[Calif_Colonial]

I am coming back to Pittsburgh on Sept, 17th. I am going to make it to 3 games. Dayton, Bryant and the away game at Duquesne. I too am looking forward to the Bryant game. I hope we can make a game of it.

[dgreco]

Part 2: Running Backs
http://bryantbulldogs.com/sports/fball/2009/News/2009-Aug22-FootballPreview2
http://bryantbulldogs.com/images/fball/Action09/FB-Pract2.jpg?max_height=267&max_width=400
With the season opener against Southern Connecticut just a week away, the Bryant University football team has been hard at work on the practice field. Head coach Marty Fine has put the team through a rigorous nine days of practices and workouts.

Following one of the hottest weeks of preseason practice in recent memory, the Bulldogs conducted Thursday’s practice under the lights at the Turf Field Complex.



While the quarterback position is up for grabs, one position that the Bulldogs are solid is at running back. Bryant returns its dangerous one-two combination of seniors Jerell Smith (Brooklyn, NY) and Lindsey Gamble (Roxbury, MA). The pair worked hard in the weight room over the offseason and spent the summer going through an extensive conditioning program.

[Uncle Buck]

I think our only real chance for an upset will be Hofstra. If they are too wrapped up with the rivalry SBU game before and the huge Richmond game the following week, Bryant might have a small glimmer of hope.

If Cohen has his head on straight, he'll remind this team that Hofstra can't overlook anyone. HU has fallen pretty far from the 5 playoff appearances in the late 90's and early 00's. You can also bet that the Bryant DC Greg Gigantino who was a Hofstra DC for two stints (and my DC at Hofstra), he will be firing up the Bulldogs.

Definitely going to try and get up there for this game. I have tix to the Skin's @ Giants on Sunday, not sure if i could swing the two days of football with the wife and checking account.

[terrierbob]

You stole Wofford's helmets!

[dgreco]

You stole Wofford's helmets!

gold dome goes back to 1919 :D

http://digitalcommons.bryant.edu/hist_photos/1105/preview.jpg

[dgreco]

If Cohen has his head on straight, he'll remind this team that Hofstra can't overlook anyone. HU has fallen pretty far from the 5 playoff appearances in the late 90's and early 00's. You can also bet that the Bryant DC Greg Gigantino who was a Hofstra DC for two stints (and my DC at Hofstra), he will be firing up the Bulldogs.

Definitely going to try and get up there for this game. I have tix to the Skin's @ Giants on Sunday, not sure if i could swing the two days of football with the wife and checking account.

I think on Bryant's best day and one of Hofstra's worst Bryant has a good shot. They always play well at home and if they can hang around it will at least be interesting for 3 or 4 quarters. It will be tough to make it to both games, but take the chance to get to see Bryant's campus and your team. If you want to watch the game and can't make it Bryant has multi-camera live video and audio streams of all home events at bryantbulldogs.tv

[dgreco]

Part 3: Offensive Line
http://bryantbulldogs.com/sports/fball/2009/News/2009-Aug24-FootballPreview3

http://bryantbulldogs.com/images/fball/Action09/FB-TashjianWeb.jpg?max_width=400&max_height=267&crop=true

Since Marty Fine’s arrival, it can be argued that offensive linemen do get recognized with several former standouts earning all-conference and all-region honors. Bryant will hope for that tradition to continue as the Bulldogs begin their second year of competing at the Division I level and eligible for Northeast Conference individual honors in 2009.

The offensive line loses just one starter to graduation (Jacob Meyer) and will be anchored by three seniors and two sophomores ready to power the Bulldogs' offense this fall.

“We're going to need to run the ball to be successful this season,” said Fine. “We have a good core of returning veterans back who will be counted on to be leaders for our younger guys.”

Senior left tackle Pete Krafka (Milford, MA) has been steady as a starter for the past two seasons. Steady with excellent techniques and foot skills, his athletic ability will be important in slowing down opponents pass rushers. The same on the other side where senior Ben Lyons (Westfield, MA) is another starter returning. With excellent size (6-foot-7, 320-pounds), Lyons looks to have a big senior season in protecting the quarterback.

[hebmskebm]

You stole Wofford's helmets!

Seriously, if those two schools ever play it would look like an intrasquad scrimmage!

[Uncle Buck]

I think on Bryant's best day and one of Hofstra's worst Bryant has a good shot. They always play well at home and if they can hang around it will at least be interesting for 3 or 4 quarters. It will be tough to make it to both games, but take the chance to get to see Bryant's campus and your team. If you want to watch the game and can't make it Bryant has multi-camera live video and audio streams of all home events at bryantbulldogs.tv

Good to know about the video feed, if i can't get up there i will definitely buy the feed.

As for the game, i can't speak about the head coach, but back in the early to mid 90's when we made our move to 1AA, Gigantino did a great job getting kids to play over their head. I have to hope we come out strong, the last thing we need is for Bryant to hang around, gain confidence and beat at the end. This season gives me a lot of butterflies, but damn it's good to be talking football with the kickoff just about a week away.

[dgreco]

Part 4: Defensive Line
http://bryantbulldogs.com/sports/fball/2009/News/2009Aug29-DefensivePreview1
http://bryantbulldogs.com/images/header-images/FB-DonSmith09.jpg
If you're a football fan who appreciates good defense, then Bryant University football is for you. The Bulldogs, thanks to the return of 10 starters from a very good defensive unit from '08, should once again be armed with speed, size, strength and experience once again this fall.

In only its first season competing at the Division I level, Bryant was ranked nationally is several categories, including 11th in turnover ratio, 12th in turnovers, 17th in interceptions and 16th in rushing defense.

As a team, the Bulldogs gave up only 99 yards rushing a game and were ranked 15th nationally with 30 team sacks.

All four starting down linemen are back including three seniors and one junior, giving the team a cohesive and experienced group aimed at stopping the run and forcing pressure on the quarterback.

[Bulldog Fan]

I agree....the Bryant defense is going to be very good this year, especially with 10 starters returning. They picked up a transfer LB from UCONN who will make the defense even better. The offense has a good line and good RB's. The only question will be at the QB position. Kurt Spear - QB played in one game (UMASS) last year and did a good job. I expect they will suprise some good teams this year.

[dgreco]

I agree....the Bryant defense is going to be very good this year, especially with 10 starters returning. They picked up a transfer LB from UCONN who will make the defense even better. The offense has a good line and good RB's. The only question will be at the QB position. Kurt Spear - QB played in one game (UMASS) last year and did a good job. I expect they will suprise some good teams this year.

I am very excited for our defense. I think they are the foundation to a good team this year. Also, I heard that a freshman out of Boston has been moving up the chart to be the #1 QB. Know anything about him?

[Bulldog Fan]

I hear freshman QB, Ray Ducette has a very strong arm and has looked good in practice. I am not sure he will get any playing time early in the year. Croce (Merrimack transfer a couple of years ago) and Kurt Spear are competing for the starting position for the 1st game.

[dgreco]

Part 5: Linebackers and Defensivebacks
http://bryantbulldogs.com/sports/fball/2009/News/2009Sept2-Linebackers

http://bryantbulldogs.com/images/fball/Action09/FB-Linebackers.jpg?max_width=400&max_height=267&crop=true

Another position with excellent experience returning for the Bulldogs in ‘09, the linebacker position graduated just one, Dan Curci, from last year. Curci was a starter before a season-ending injury sidelined him two games in.

With Curci out, the Bulldogs saw the emergence of sophomores Franck Tebou (Mattapoisett, MA) and Jason Riffe (Newton, MA), who both excelled in his place. Tebou played in all 11 games, registering 27 tackles including five for a loss. Riffe was steady at middle linebacker, finishing fourth on the team with 48 tackles including eight for a loss and three sacks.

Senior Nick Candito (West Boylston, MA) is another regular who has played in 29 games over his three-year career.

The key for Fine and the defense is the return of Paul Polomski (Franklin, MA) for his senior season. A starter since his freshman year, Polomski was named co-captain by his teammates. His versatility and nose for the ball will be the driving force on the defensive side this season.

Polomski led the team with 67 tackles and three sacks, picking off three passes on the year. He enters his senior season with 191 tackles and eight interceptions in his three years.

[Bulldog Fan]

BU is pretty deep with linebackers who are all very athletic.

[dgreco]

I am excited to see if Wagstaff has gotten better because he was very good before he got injured.

[dgreco]

Part 6: Opening weekend!
http://bryantbulldogs.com/sports/fball/2009/News/2009Aug31FootballHostsSouthern
http://bryantbulldogs.com/images/facilities/FullHouse2.jpg http://bryantbulldogs.com/images/General/PackVideo.jpg?max_width=400&max_height=267&crop=true
STORY LINE
Bryant opens its second year of Division I FCS (Football Championship Subdivision) play on Saturday, Sept. 5 when the Bulldogs host former Northeast-10 Conference rival Southern Connecticut at 3 p.m. The game will be broadcast live on WOON 1240 AM and online at www.bryantbulldogs.com. John McCarthy returns to the broadcast booth to call the live action. He'll be joined by Patrick Sullivan who will provide analysis. Last year, in the school's first year competing against DI competition, the Bulldogs posted an impressive 7-4 record overall.

BRYANT 5-0 OPENING AT HOME
Bryant defeated Southern Connecticut 39-36 in last year's home opener. The Bulldogs fell on the road at Central Connecticut, 42-35 the week before. Bryant is a perfect 5-0 when opening the season at home at Bulldog Stadium. All-time, Bryant is 7-3 in season openers.

Home Cooking:
The Bulldogs are 18-2 at home in regular season games in the past four seasons and posted a 4-1 record at home in 2008. The Bulldogs were 4-0 in the 2007 season, 5-1 in 2006 and 5-0 in 2005. Before the loss to Monmouth, the previous loss was a 24-21 defeat to C.W. Post in 2006.

[Fordham]

BRYANT 5-0 OPENING AT HOME [/B]
Bryant defeated Southern Connecticut 39-36 in last year's home opener. The Bulldogs fell on the road at Central Connecticut, 42-35 the week before.

xeyebrowx

Team looks impressive from what I've learned in this thread. Looking forward to our matchup on 10/10!

[dgreco]

xeyebrowx

Team looks impressive from what I've learned in this thread. Looking forward to our matchup on 10/10!

home opener vs season openers. When they open the season at home they are 5-0, in all season openers they are 7-3.

[dgreco]

I agree....the Bryant defense is going to be very good this year, especially with 10 starters returning. They picked up a transfer LB from UCONN who will make the defense even better. The offense has a good line and good RB's. The only question will be at the QB position. Kurt Spear - QB played in one game (UMASS) last year and did a good job. I expect they will suprise some good teams this year.

Do you know why Gamble is listed 3rd on the depth chart?

[Fordham]

home opener vs season openers. When they open the season at home they are 5-0, in all season openers they are 7-3.

Gotcha!

[blu-bulldog]

Good luck against,SCSU It should be a good game. When are you guys gonna start to playing the ivy league.?

[dgreco]

we are in other sports already, I am sure because of future scheduling there werent any openings just yet. I hope we get Brown and URI on the schedule in the upcoming years.

[Bulldog Fan]

Do you know why Gamble is listed 3rd on the depth chart?
I am not sure. Gamble is healthy and ready to go. Coach Fine will rotate the three backs early on and then stick with the back with the hot hand. Canfora is a nice change to Jerell and Lindsey.

[dgreco]

I am not sure. Gamble is healthy and ready to go. Coach Fine will rotate the three backs early on and then stick with the back with the hot hand. Canfora is a nice change to Jerell and Lindsey.

I know they went with the hot back from game to game I was just surprised to see Gamble third. Canfora was exciting as a freshman when he got some touches, but never really heard much from him after those early appearances. We will see on Saturday I guess.

[Cobblestone]

we are in other sports already, I am sure because of future scheduling there werent any openings just yet. I hope we get Brown and URI on the schedule in the upcoming years.


As you know we played you guys in 2001. I'm hoping all three of us can play each other every year and make that Governor's Cup a trophy which is awarded similar to the way the CINC trophy is awarded to the service academy with the best record against the others.

I've certainly been lobbying my AD for this to happen, I hope some Bryant grads will do the same. Chances are good that Brown would go for it as well. I see you guys also landed a radio broadcast for your games (WOON) - congrats on that.

[dgreco]

As you know we played you guys in 2001. I'm hoping all three of us can play each other every year and make that Governor's Cup a trophy which is awarded similar to the way the CINC trophy is awarded to the service academy with the best record against the others.

I've certainly been lobbying my AD for this to happen, I hope some Bryant grads will do the same. Chances are good that Brown would go for it as well. I see you guys also landed a radio broadcast for your games (WOON) - congrats on that.

I think that started last year, not sure if it was for football season or started during basketball season. I think it might of been basketball season - I remember reading John Meterparel (sp) from WEEI would do the basketball broadcasts and I think that was in conjuction with WOON.

I am sure the wait for URI/Brown was previous schedules and the fact that we were non-counters. I am sure in the next few years we will all be scheduled.

I know a few people will be catching both the URI game at 1 and Bryant game at 3 today. I might plan on doing the same.

[danefan]

If any Hofstra fans can't make the game, Bryant has great online media coverage. Top notch!

streaming video - http://www.bryantbulldogs.tv/
streaming audio - http://bryantbulldogs.com/information/Media_Center/AudioBroadcastSchedule.htm
live stats - http://livestats.prestosports.com/bryant/
local radio broadcast - http://www.onworldwide.com

[Uncle Buck]

If any Hofstra fans can't make the game, Bryant has great online media coverage. Top notch!

streaming video - http://www.bryantbulldogs.tv/
streaming audio - http://bryantbulldogs.com/information/Media_Center/AudioBroadcastSchedule.htm
live stats - http://livestats.prestosports.com/bryant/
local radio broadcast - http://www.onworldwide.com

Thanks DF. I'm home with my son while my wife is with the daughters at a school function. Since i can't get up there as planned, i am definitely buying the feed. xthumbsupx

[dgreco]

Marty Fine does a short coaches show every Monday. Get to hear in on the previous game and the upcoming game. The first one of the season is tonight.

http://bryantbulldogs.com/sports/fball/2008/News/RadioShow