Oct. 26, 2007

Stony Brook, N.Y. - To begin, I would like to extend my deepest thanks and congratulations to the Stony Brook University community, our administration, alumni, and students for their tremendous support last Saturday afternoon and on a successful homecoming weekend. In intercollegiate athletics, often the small things that make a difference between success and disappointment and without question, your support helped us defeat the University of Maine Black Bears.

As I reflect on the game, the successful outcome was an important step in the growth of our program. We spend countless hours on fundamentals, good technique, practicing and game plans but inevitably the scoreboard tells the story. In short, this game was an indication of the progress the program continues to experience. Twice we came back from a 10-point deficit and after missing a field goal very late in the fourth quarter, we showed toughness to bounce back, tie the game on a long field goal at the end of regulation and win the game in overtime.

Since taking over as head coach at Stony Brook, I have emphasized that certain factors would carry over each week as we look to be an elite caliber program. Saturday's win will allow us to understand that we can compete with talented teams and ultimately help lead us to believing in ourselves as a program that belongs with the elite.

The offense put together a stellar performance against Maine. A potent run game piled up 229 yards on the ground, led by Conte Cuttino '10 (Uniondale, N.Y.) and an offensive line that was missing three starters. Cuttino rushed for 179 yards and three touchdowns, including the game-winning TD in the second overtime. Our success on the ground opened up the aerial attack as Josh Dudash '08 (Beachwood, N.J.) completed 21 of 32 passes by spreading the ball around to Lynell Suggs '09 (Bronx, N.Y.) who had seven receptions for 78 yards, Dwayne Eley '09 (Bowie, Md) who grabbed five passes for 49 yards and J.J Cox '08 (Fort Lauderdale, Fla.) who hauled in five passes for 53 yards. Collectively, the offense did a great job of putting together scoring drives, including three crucial field-goals by Luke Gaddis '09 (East Patchogue, N.Y.). Gaddis nailed the dramatic game-tying field goal in the waning moments of regulation and another in the first overtime to push the game to an extra period. I'm proud of Luke for his mental resilience to come back and make two critical kicks after missing one late in the fourth quarter. His resiliency is an example of the character our entire team is beginning to understand and share.

While the offense was putting together an outstanding performance, the defense set the tone of the game. They held Maine's time of possession to just over 26 minutes as the defensive unit allowed the Black Bear offense to convert only 2 of 17 third down attempts during the entire game. As a result, our offense was able to get back on the field in position to score. While time of possession played a big role in the game, the biggest victory for the defense was on the turnover front. The defense came up big with a late fourth quarter interception by Mike McCoy '09 (Los Angeles, Calif.) and one by Chris Brevi '09 (Tampa, Fla.) in overtime that sealed the victory.

In addition to the great result on the field, what added to the day was the outstanding turnout by our alums. It was both humbling and exciting to see over 100 football alums returned to campus, including 22 from the club football days who walked to midfield to help our captains with the pre-game coin toss. As we continue in our quest to build an elite program, this tremendous commitment from our football alums will play a critical role. Thanks so much for all of your support and we hope to see you again soon.

This Saturday, we host Bryant University on Parents Weekend at 4:00 p.m. This week's game brings new challenges for our team as we aim to put last Saturday's game into perspective and prepare the correct way for our opponent. We must understand how to handle success by being able to take what we have learned in the past and focus on the task at hand. Bryant is currently undefeated (7-0) and will undoubtedly come ready to play. They are a team that is well coached and one that knows what it takes to win games. It will be an exciting match-up and we look forward to seeing and hearing the tremendous support from our home crowd.

Lastly, I would also like to remind our supporters that I will host my pre-game Chalk Talk at 2:15 in the Squash Lounge located in the Stony Brook University Arena. I invite you to come early and hear about Saturday's game plan as I provide some insight on the keys to the game.

See you Saturday. As always, wear Red and Go Seawolves!

Chuck Priore
Head Football Coach