The Stony Brook Seawolves have their home opener this weekend against the Stonehill Skyhawks.
This will be the season opener for the Skyhawks who finished last year at an even 5-5. The Hawks moved up to Division 1 FCS in 2022, joining the NEC. After going 2-5 in Conference play in its first season, and 4-5 overall Stonehill was happy with the slight overall record improvement last season, but have their eyes set on a conference title this year.
Last year their high water mark saw them beat the reigning NEC champion Duquesne, which was their only loss in division play all season long. This year they feel even better with their signal caller having one more year under his belt. Senior quarterback Ashur Carraha is returning for his third year and this season is healthy in camp. Carraha had shoulder surgery, forcing him to miss most offseason workouts last year, but this time around he is healthy and a clear leader in camp. That could cause headaches for the Seawolves defense. That's a defense that can only go up from last season.
Last season was the bottom of the barrell for Stony Brook as they went winless but there is enthusiasm this year will be different. The Wolves bring back 15 starters (8 offensive and 7 defensive) including 3rd team all conference WR Anthony Johnson. He led the team with 59 receptions for 714 receiving yards and three touchdowns They also added some key additions with Tyler Knoop, Rudy Silvera, Tyson McCloud, Jasiah Williams, Chance Knox, Kris Caine, and Deshawn Jones Jr.
But, the biggest addition was in the coaching staff as the Wolves changed head coaches naming Billy Cosh to replace Chuck Priore. Cosh previously served as the offensive coordinator at Richmond and VMI, leading one of the best offenses in the nation. He will have to make a quick decision about who will lead this offense and the explosive nature of his playbook.
The aforementioned Tyler Knopp and Casey Case will have a battle to see who comes out on top. Case started nine games last season completing 55% of his passes for 1,715 passing yards and 10 touchdowns. Former Georgetown quarterback Tyler Knoop started 10 games for the Hoyas, throwing for 2,459 passing yards and 22 touchdowns.
This offense also added Richmond wide receiver Jasiah Williamswho was injured last season but led the CAA in receptions two seasons ago. They also picked up Chance Knox, who has 30 games under his belt for VMI. You can see the passing attack coming into focus in a hurry at Stony Brook. Stonehill gave up big chunks of yards in the air last year and that will be a focal point to attack for this game.
Stony Brook will need better defensive play if they want to win this game. The Seawolves ranked 123rd nationally in yards per play allowed but do have experience with those 7 returning starters. Their front 7 should be solid, but the secondary is a concern. Last season this secondary ranked dead last in the conference and they will be replaced by three transfers.
Stony Brook has the makings of a solid team this year. Their new head coach and offensive style fit the team perfectly and their transfers fill the positions of need, but it all hinges on how well the defense plays. Stonehill is a solid group and while they will be favored, this is a home opener and the new coaching staff could shock everyone this week.