Preview: Merrimack Hits The Road to Face Stony Brook
The Warriors enter the weekend with a Top 20 defensive unit in the FCS
The Merrimack College football team is back on the road this weekend for a 3:30 p.m. kickoff Saturday against Stony Brook.
The Warriors are riding the momentum of last Saturday’s 16-14 win over Central Connecticut State at Duane Stadium, where Carlton Thai drilled a game-winning field goal in the final seconds to secure the victory.
The Seawolves, 1-1 at home this season, are coming off a 30-27 road loss at Lindenwood last week. Their season opened with a humbling 42-0 defeat at FBS opponent San Diego State. In Week 2, Stony Brook dropped a 31-17 decision at home to No. 9 Rhode Island, and the Seawolves picked up their lone win in Week 3, a convincing 41-18 home victory over Fordham.
Merrimack’s defense continues to shine
The Warriors enter this weekend boasting one of the most complete defenses in the FCS.
Out of 129 teams, the Warriors rank 14th in scoring defense (points), 19th in pass-efficiency defense, 14th in total defense by yards, 17th in rushing defense, and 16th in red-zone defense.
They also sit sixth nationally in time of possession — a testament to both defensive stops and the offense’s ability to control the tempo.
And it hasn’t been just one player doing the heavy lifting. The Warriors have seven players with 11 or more tackles, with Kendal Sims (24) pacing the group. Nine players have registered at least half a sack, with Bryce Warrick (1.5) leading the way. Three different players have picked off a pass, while six have at least two tackles for loss, led by DJ Frazier with three.
Key to the Game
Control the Tempo
As noted, the Warriors have excelled at dictating tempo with extended possessions and a defense that forces frequent three-and-outs. That edge becomes even more critical on the road.
Stony Brook’s offense is average, but its defense shows vulnerabilities the Warriors can exploit to sustain long, time-heavy drives. Most notably, Stony Brook is allowing 4.2 yards per carry. Merrimack’s ground game, meanwhile, is averaging 4.5 yards per attempt. That margin may look slim, but it could translate into steady chain-moving and extended possession time — exactly the formula the Warriors need.
By The Numbers
Kickoff: 3:30 p.m.
TV/Stream: FloCollege
City: Stony Brook, N.Y.
Venue: LaValle Stadium (cap. 12,300)
