Complete Game Notes as a PDF

A NEW SEASON BEGINS
The Southern Connecticut State University football team opens the 2015 season on Saturday with a home game against PSAC member Gannon. Game time is set for 12 p.m. at Jess Dow Field. This will mark the second consecutive year that the teams will face off to open a season. Fans that can't make it out to SCSU can follow the action with live video as Don Boyle will have the call at www.southernctowls.com.

ALL-TIME VS. GANNON
This is the third all-time meeting between the schools. Southern Connecticut won the first meeting by a score of 27-0 to open the 1999 season. Last year, Gannon claimed a 23-7 win on its home turf in Erie, Pa.

LOOKING BACK AT LAST YEAR'S GAME
The Southern Connecticut State University football team opened the 2014 season with a 23-7 loss to Gannon on Sept. 6, 2014 in Erie, Pa.
- Owls' quarterback Brandon Basil finished 15-of-31 for 181 yards and a touchdown, while senior wide receiver Gary Williams was the top target with six catches for 72 yards.
- Kayjuan Bynum and Brian Wilcox each  led the Owls' defense with 10  tackles. Bynum forced a fumble and added half a sack, while Wilcox tallied one sack and one fumble recovery.
- Gannon used 17 second quarter points to snap a scoreless tie and pulled away from there, leading by as many as 23 points.
- Southern Connecticut scored its touchdown on the final drive of the afternoon. The Owls assembled a six-play, 54-yard drive which was capped by a seven-yard touchdown pass from Basil to Jack Mallis.

ALL-TIME VS. THE PSAC
SCSU has recorded an 18-35-2 all-time mark against current PSAC schools. The last win for the Owls against a PSAC school came in the 2007 season opener, a 52-30 victory over Kutztown.

IN SEASON OPENERS
The Owls are 35-31-1 all-time in season openers. The 2015 season is the 68th in program history.
 
IN THE NORTHEAST-10 PRESEASON POLL
The Southern Connecticut State University football team has been selected No. 9 in the Northeast-10 Conference preseason poll, as voted on by the league's coaches.
1. LIU Post - 74 (4)
2. AIC - 74 (2)
3. Assumption - 65 (2)
4. New Haven - 62 (2)
t-5. Saint Anselm - 41
t-5. Stonehill - 41
7. Bentley - 38
8. Merrimack - 29
9. So. Connecticut - 20
10. Pace - 10
 
OWLS WELL-REPRESENTED IN NFL RANKS
There are six former Owls affiliated with NFL teams as the calendar rolls over into September. With regards to current players, Ike Igbinosun (Jacksonville), Jerome Cunningham (New York Giants) and Carlif Taylor (Dallas) are all contending for roster spots. In addition, three former Owls are currently serving as coaches – Chris Palmer (Senior Offensive Assistant, Buffalo Bills), Jeff Stoutland (Offensive Line Coach, Philadelphia Eagles) and Tim Holt (Assistant Offensive Line Coach, Oakland Raiders).
 
THE 2015 SCHEDULE
The Owls currently have 11 games scheduled for the 2015 campaign. The year opens with a home game against Gannon on Sept. 5. In total, the opponents have been set for the first 10 dates of the year, with SCSU playing five home and five road games. In addition, the Northeast-10 Conference will once again host its championship weekend on Nov. 14.

WILLIAMS NAMED ALL-ECAC
Defensive lineman Zachary Williams named All-ECAC for his play during the 2014 season. Previously an All-Northeast-10 Conference selection, Williams registered a career-high 51 tackles in his final season as an Owl and lead the team in sacks (7.5) and tackles for loss (19). He ranked second in the Northeast-10 in tackles for loss and third in sacks.

FIVE EARN CONFERENCE HONORS
Five members of the Southern Connecticut State University football team – senior Carlif Taylor, Zachary Wiliams, Brian Wilcox and freshmen Raymond Catapano and Shaquan Hall were awarded with year-end honors from the Northeast-10 Conference, as selected by the league's coaches. Taylor, Williams and Wilcox were named All-Conference, while Catapano and Hall were tabbed for the All-Rookie Team.

FOUR OWLS SELECTED TO NATIONAL BOWL GAME
Kyle Empey, A.J. Marsiglia, Carlif Taylor and Brian Wilcox were selected to play in the National Bowl Game on December 7 in Miami. 

HALL NAMED FRESHMAN ALL-AMERICAN
Shaquan Hall was named a Freshman All-American by USA College Football for his performance on the gridiron this past fall. Previously named a Northeast-10 Conference All-Rookie Team selection, Hall made an impact on special teams and at wide receiver. He had 13 receptions for 129 yards and two touchdowns, along with eight rushes for 77 yards and a rushing touchdown. As a return man, he had 25 total returns for 512 yards.
 
AMONG THE KEY OFFENSIVE RETURNERS
The Owls will mix old and new faces when looking to find the end zone. At the quarterback position, Raymond Catapano and Michael Eckrote both have seen significant time in their careers thus far, but will be pushed for time by redshirt freshman Rob Nittolo, a transfer from James Madison. Donald Thomas is the leading returning rusher, as his 4.8 yards per carry last year was tops among running backs. Shaquan Hall (13 catches) and Robert Thomas (12) catches are the top returning receivers.

AMONG THE KEY DEFENSIVE RETURNERS
Southern's leading tackler a year ago, Michael Cerisano (98 tackles) returns as a key part of the Owls' defense. The defensive line remains strong with the return of Jamie Holbrook and Kameron Tedder. In addition, key secondary returners include Gavin Harley (38 tackles), Justin Potts (33 tackles) and Brandon Martin (27 tackles).

ON DECK
The Owls are back in action on Sept. 12 for their Northeast-10 Conference opener at AIC, a 1 p.m. start.