Smithfield, R.I. – Tom Alberti kicked a game-winning field goal with 38 seconds remaining to give Bryant a 17-16 victory against Holy Cross on Saturday.
Alberti's 30-yard kick capped a 10-play Bulldogs' drive in the season opener for both teams. Bryant controlled the clock but struggled to score until Alberti's kick. Mike Westerhaus was 21 for 40 for 323 yards, but was intercepted twice by the Crusaders.
Holy Cross' Kyle Toulouse returned a Bryant punt 77 yards for a touchdown early in the first quarter but kicker John Macomber missed the extra point, a miscue that cost the Crusaders.
Steven Elder, who last season completed 61 percent of his passes for 1,281 yards and seven touchdowns, threw 23 for 41 and 301 yards. But the Bulldog defense kept the heat on Elder throughout the game, sacking him six times and forcing three interceptions and a fumble.
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