After last week’s lopsided homecoming victory over Presbyterian College, the Stony Brook University Seawolves (2-3) will play their last non-conference game this Saturday afternoon. The squad travels into uncharted territory as it heads to North Dakota, facing off against the Fighting Sioux for the first time in school history.
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North Dakota (2-2) is also coming off of a homecoming win, rallying against South Dakota last weekend. Saturday’s game will also mark the completion of the Fighting Sioux’ 47th annual ‘Potato Bowl USA’ festival, a week long event that celebrates the bond between the university and the Red River Valley potato growing industry.
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A large crowd should be on hand. Both teams will be looking to stay in the win column after a bumpy start to the season, which should make for an exciting head-to-head matchup.
‘It’s going to be a new environment for us for sure,’ says junior wide receiver Donald Porter (Charles Town, W.VA) about traveling to the Peace Garden State for the first time. Porter contributed a game high 156 reception yards on only four catches in the Seawolves’ homecoming rout. ‘But I think with the win and the momentum from last week,’ he continued, ‘We feel that we can go out there and beat them at home.’
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The confidence is a good sign for a Stony Brook team that has had a tough non-conference schedule this year. Excluding the homecoming game, all of the contests have been competitive, whether they resulted in a Seawolves victory or defeat. But, come Saturday, the team will look to keep heading in the right direction and even its record at 3-3.
‘We are very excited to get that first Big South win,’ said Head Coach Chuck Priore, ‘But now it is time to move forward and get ready for our final non-league game of the season.’ The Seawolves aren’t satisfied with a below .500 record and look to do something about it on Saturday.
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As usual, the Stony Brook will have red shirt freshman Wesley Skiffington’s (Brandon, FL) services readily available. The Seawolves’ placekicker recently received national recognition for his stellar play, being named one of the College Sporting News publication’s National All-Stars this week. Skiffington is also a Big South Conference co-Special Teams Player of the Week, gaining the honor for the second time this season.
If the game is to be decided by a field goal, the Seawolves like their chances. However, they would prefer a large margin of victory. Kick-off is slated for 1:00 p.m. The game will be aired in its entirety on WUSB 90.1 FM.
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