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Holy Cross downs UConn 38-28 in FCS-FBS showdown
The Crusaders are two-time defending Patriot League champions.
EAST HARTFORD, Conn. (AP) — Sophomore Matt Sluka passed for two touchdowns, ran for another and his 76-yard keeper in the fourth quarter iced Holy Cross’ 38-28 season-opening win at UConn on Saturday.
Sluka passed for 123 yards and ran for 112. His long run set up Tyler Purdy’s 14-yard TD carry — his second score of the game — to give Holy Cross a 10-point lead with just over eight minutes left.
Holy Cross, two-time defending Patriot League champion, gained the FCS playoff field last spring and the defeat of UConn is its first against an FBS opponent since 2002 (Army).
The Crusaders grabbed a 24-21 halftime lead when a Derek Ng’s 30-yard field goal sailed through the uprights with three seconds on the clock and never trailed again.
Holy Cross beats UConn for the school’s first win over an FBS team since 2002. Coach Bob Chesney has won at Salve Regina, Assumption and has revived Holy Cross. Somewhere Gordie Lockbaum smiles.
— Pete Thamel (@PeteThamel) September 4, 2021
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Holy Cross’ Liam Anderson forced a fumble on UConn’s first drive of the second half, recovered by Jared Dyer, and the Crusaders scored in five plays, pushing the lead to 31-21.
Ng’s ensuing kickoff covered just 23 yards, setting up the Huskies (0-2) at midfield. Jack Zergiotis pulled UConn back within 31-28 with an 8-yard scoring pass to Jayce Medlock.
Zergiotis was 17 of 41 passing for 174 yards and three TDs. He was also picked off three times.
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