Yale Football Prepares to Take on No. 6 Holy Cross in Season Opener
The Yale football team is gearing up for their season opener against No. 6 Holy Cross this Saturday. The Bulldogs will face the Crusaders at the Yale Bowl at noon, in what is expected to be an intense matchup.
Yale is determined to start their 2023 season on a high note, fully prepared to take on Holy Cross. The Crusaders have already secured a win and suffered a narrow three-point loss to Boston College, making them a formidable opponent. However, Yale is confident in their abilities and ready to face the challenge head-on.
Head Coach Tony Reno expressed his enthusiasm for the upcoming game, stating, It’s an opportunity for us to put our best foot forward. We truly think we play a game against ourselves every week, and that hasn’t changed. So, it’s about how well we can play Yale football in week one.
In their previous nine encounters with Holy Cross, Yale has emerged victorious in five games. Last year, the Bulldogs faced off against the Crusaders, resulting in a 38-14 loss for Yale. Despite the defeat, there were notable moments for the Bulldogs, including a touchdown run by running back Nathan Denney and a scoring play from backup quarterback Austin Tutas to wide receiver Ryan Lindley.
With 27 new additions to the team and another year of training under their belts, Yale is focused on improving both offensively and defensively. They aim to establish a strong and coordinated effort to tackle Holy Cross.
Last season, Yale ended their Ivy League campaign on a high note, clinching the title of Ivy League Champions. They finished with a record of 8-2 overall and 6-1 in the conference. The Bulldogs are determined to continue their success and build upon their achievements this season.
Holy Cross began their season with an impressive 42-20 win against Merrimack but stumbled in their second game, losing 31-28 to Boston College. The Crusaders are currently ranked No. 6 in the NCAA Stats Perform poll and No. 5 in the FCS Coaches poll. Yale received votes in both polls, highlighting the competitive nature of this upcoming matchup.
Yale’s offense will rely on the talents of their starting quarterback Nolan Grooms, who was named Ivy League offensive player of the year in 2022. Grooms received the Asa S. Bushnell Cup and was selected for the Walter Payton Award consideration. Running back Joshua Pitsenberger, who had an impressive rookie season, will also play a crucial role in the Bulldogs’ offensive strategy.
On the defensive end, Yale will be led by captain and defensive back Wande Owens. Owens played a pivotal role last season, tying linebacker Hamilton Moore for the team lead in tackles. The Bulldogs have also welcomed several new players in the defensive line and defensive back positions.
The Bulldogs acknowledge the strength of Holy Cross, but they remain confident in their abilities to defend their home turf. This early-season matchup will serve as a valuable test for both teams, setting the tone for the rest of the season.
Football fans can catch the action live at the Yale Bowl or stream the game on ESPN+. The highly anticipated clash between Yale and Holy Cross is expected to be an exciting and intense contest.
