With the first win of the season under its belt, the Sacred Heart University football team turns its attention to its Northeast Conference opener. The Pioneers go on the road to take on Bryant, Saturday at 7 p.m. Sacred Heart has won five of the last seven match ups with the Bulldogs, including a 24-17 decision in 2019. The Bulldogs lost their season opener, 45-21, at Rhode Island. The game will be broadcast on ESPN3. 

OPENING KICKOFF

• Following a season-opening win over Bucknell, Sacred Heart starts NEC play at Bryant on Saturday. 
• Pioneers haven't faired as well in NEC starters with a 10-12 record overall and a 4-5 record under Mark Nofri.
• Sacred Heart and Bryant did not play during the abbreviated spring season. 
• SHU holds the 8-5 advantage in the series with Bryant, including 3-3 in Smithfield. The Pioneers won the last meeting in 2019, 24-17, with Kezio Snelling's touchdown catch in the third quarter being the difference. 
• The 21-0 shutout against Bucknell was the first by the Pioneers since they blanked Duquesne on November 9, 2013.
• NEC Offensive Player of the Week Julius Chestnut has 10-straight games with at least 100 yards rushing and nine games in a row with a touchdown.
• Jalen Gopie was named NEC Defensive Player of the Week, the first defensive award by a Pioneer since Chris Agyemang on November 18, 2019.