Complete Game Notes as a PDF

FIRST HALF COMES TO A CLOSE
For the fourth time in five games, the Southern Connecticut State University football team boards the bus for a road contest. This time around, the Owls close out the first half of their 2008 schedule with a 1 p.m. game at Merrimack on Saturday. Fans can catch all of the action live with Don Boyle on the call at www.sportingnewsct.com, beginning with the pre-game show at 12:30.

ROBERTS ANSWERS THE BELL
Senior Chris Roberts enjoyed an outstanding effort last time out in a starting role under center against Stonehill. He finished 14-of-22 for 230 yards and three touchdowns in the outing. For his efforts, Roberts was named to the Northeast-10 weekly honor roll.

NEW BACK, SAME RESULT
The Owls continue to have success in the backfield, as evidenced by the play of John Wiechman against Stonehill. Wiechman rushed for a career-high 180 yards on a career-high 29 carries in the win over the Skyhawks. Coincidentally, both of Wiechman's career 100-plus yard outings have come against Stonehill. Wiechman was also selected to the Northeast-10 weekly honor roll for his play last time out.

OWLS RECEIVE VOTES IN THIS WEEK'S AFCA POLL
After a one-week hiatus, the Owls are back receiving votes in this week's AFCA poll. In all the club has either been ranked or received votes in four of the five polls to date this year.

LESS A TOUCHDOWN AWAY FROM PERFECTION
The Owls have lost their two games by a combined four points so far this season.

A VERY RARE OCCURRENCE
The last two outings marked just the second time in program history that the Owls have lost consecutive games by three points or less. The other occurrence took place back in 1969, when SCSU dropped back-to-back games to Bridgeport (17-16) and Glassboro State (19-17).

ROBERTS EMERGES IN AN EMERGENCY ROLE
After redshirt freshman quarterback Kevin Lynch was forced from the AIC game due to injury, senior Chris Roberts stepped in admirably under center for the Owls. Seeing his first action at the position since the 2006 season, Roberts finished 4-of-8 for 47 yards and marched his team down on a touchdown drive late in the fourth quarter.

MARSHALL STEPS UP IN A BIG WAY
Senior wide receiver Ty Marshall caught seven passes for a career-high 203 yards in the game against Bryant. Two of those catches went for touchdowns. It was the first time that a SCSU receiver had tallied at least 200 receiving yards since Jim Lukowiak amassed 220 against Bryant on Nov. 5, 2005.

A NEW FACE UNDER CENTER
Redshirt freshman Kevin Lynch made his first collegiate start at the quarterback position in the game against AIC. However, after going 5-of-8 for 69 yards in the opening half, he was forced to leave the game due to injury.

DIGANGI MAKES HIS PRESENCE FELT
Junior tight end Pete DiGangi has been a popular target early this season. He notched his first career touchdown reception in the game against Bryant. In the next outing, he tied for the team-high with three receptions (for 18 yards) in the game against AIC.

BERGESKI BACK IN THE MIX
After missing the season opener, senior wide receiver Chris Bergeski stepped in and finished with six catches for 98 yards in the game against Bryant.

COMEBACK KIDS
Trailing by a point heading into the fourth quarter against West Virginia Wesleyan, the Owls rallied for a late touchdown to record the win. Last year, the team was 0-3 when trailing after three quarters of play.

IN THE NATIONAL PRESEASON POLLS
Thanks to another strong campaign in 2007, the Owls were ranked in three national preseason polls in 2008. Lindy's tabbed the Owls for No. 14 in their college football preview, while the Sporting News picked them No. 21. The club was also ranked No. 24 in the American Football Coaches Association (AFCA) preseason poll.

EVERYBODY'S ALL-AMERICANS
Three Owls earned preseason All-America honors heading into the 2008 campaign. Quarterback Steve Armstrong, running back Jarom Freeman and wide receiver Chris Bergeski all were tabbed as preseason All-Americans by Consensus Draft Services. In addition, Freeman was also named a preseason All-American by the Sporting News.

IN THE NORTHEAST-10 PRESEASON POLL
The Owls were selected as the preseason favorite to win the 2008 Northeast 10 title during the league's annual Media Day at Gillette Stadium on Aug. 5. It marked the second straight year that the Owls were named the preseason favorite.

SEASON STREAKS ON THE LINE
The Owls will look to maintain their standard of success as has been established in recent years. Coming into the 2008 season, SCSU has posted 14 straight seasons with records at or above .500 - the longest such streak in program history. In addition, the program has also recorded six straight campaigns with at least seven victories.

SLOW STARTS, STRONG FINISHES
In each of the past three seasons, the Owls have had to rally late in order to qualify for the post-season. SCSU started the 2005 season with a 1-2 mark before rolling off seven straight wins. In 2006, the Owls were 2-3 before winning the final five games of the regular season. Last year, the Owls were also 2-3 before winning the final six games of the regular season. 

ON DECK
The Owls will enjoy a bye week before returning to action on Friday, October 10, a 7 p.m. home contest against Bentley.