SMITHFIELD, R.I. – The Princeton Football Team fell to the Bryant Bulldogs, 21-14, at Beirne Stadium on Saturday afternoon.
Bryant’s Jordan Bennett’s 11-yard touchdown with 8:25 remaining proved to be the game-winner.
Princeton’s defense began the contest by forcing a three and out on the first drive. On the Tigers’ first opportunity, Ethan Clark’s 24-yard sprint got them in the red zone. An Aidan Besselman grab set up a first and goal situation a few
plays. On third and goal, Wyatt Becker found Josh Smith in the end zone to put the road team ahead.
After a Bryant punt, Princeton drove into the red zone, but an interception turned the Tigers away. The Bulldogs responded with touchdown drive to tie the game at 7-all. Two possessions later, Kyler Ronquillo stepped in front of a pass for the first bell ring of the season for the Princeton defense.
Princeton couldn’t capitalize as the first half ended on a missed field goal. The Tigers started off the second half as Becker found Smith for 53 yards to get back into the red zone. A mis snap ended the drive with no points. Bryant took the lead on a OJ Ross 1-yard touchdown run.
Princeton quickly responded on its next chance. After 15-yard penalty got the Tigers on the Bryant side of the field. Becker completed a pass to Smith for 20 yards to get to 17-yard line. Clark finished off the scoring drive as the fourth frame got underway, punching it in from 1-yard out.
Following Bennett’s game-winning touchdown, Princeton was forced to punt. Head coach Bob Surace‘s unit got a defensive stop allowing the Tigers to get one more chance with 1:50 to go, but an interception finished off the contest.
Smith had three catches for 86 yards and touchdown while Clark had 82 all-purpose yards and a score. Becker posted 202 yards passing in the loss.
Princeton falls to 0-1 on the season while Bryant improves to 3-1 overall. The Tigers welcome UAlbany to Princeton Stadium on next week (Sept. 26). Kickoff is set for 3 p.m.
