Somerset, NJ — As a result of the NCAA Board of Directors’ approval of a new budget that allows for the expansion of the Division I Football Championship Subdivision post-season bracket, the Northeast Conference will gain automatic access into the Division I Football Championship beginning in 2010. NEC Football is also eligible for automatic qualification into the championship bracket during the 2008 and 2009 seasons if its champion meets specifications of the bridge program.
“This is great for the NEC and its student-athletes,” commented league commissioner Brenda Weare. “It provides greater opportunity for our league on numerous levels. It should bolster our recruiting efforts and overall competitiveness, while also helping us brand our league.” [more]
SMITHFIELD, RI – Quarterback Jay Graber (Clarksburg, NJ) completed 8 of 19 passes for 126 yards and one touchdown as the Bryant offense defeated the defense 26-25 at Bryant’s annual Black & Gold Football game Saturday. Under bright sunny skies, the more than 1,500 fans turned out for the game which featured the offense vs. defense and concludes the Bulldog spring practice season. Bryant will return to camp in August in preparation for its first season of Division I play in 2008. [more]
SMITHFIELD, RI – A total of five home games and a road match-up at the University of Massachusetts highlight the 2008 Bryant University football schedule announced this afternoon by head coach Marty Fine. Bryant, which will begin its first year of transitioning to Division I Championship Subdivision, will begin year-one of Division I play with an 11-game schedule. The season will kick off on Saturday, August 30 when the Bulldogs travel to Central Connecticut State University for a game with the Northeast Conference member Blue Devils. Bryant will become an official member of the Northeast Conference in the fall of 2012 following the school's four-year transition to Division I. [more]
