James, Zoppi Earn Weekly NEC Honors After Overtime Win
Blue Devils are ranked #19/#18 in this week's FCS and AFCA polls
Junior wideout Tyshaun James and sophomore placekicker Joe Zoppi were named the Northeast Conference Offensive and Special Teams Players of the Week this week. James had a huge offensive day for CCSU, and Zoppi was perfect on six kick attempts, as the #19/#18 Blue Devils topped Saint Francis U 38-31 in overtime on Saturday. Central hosts Robert Morris in the battle of two 5-0 teams this Saturday at 12 noon.
James did it all for CCSU's offense in the victory. Accounting for 177 yards, the versatile wide receiver gained 95 yards on six catches, rushed for 48 yards and completed a 34-yard pass. He scored two key second-half touchdowns, one on the ground and one through the air. James was responsible for the game's first pass completion, executing a wide receiver option play on 2nd-and-6 and connecting with Jiovany Pierre 34 yards downfield. The versatile receiver found the end zone on a 48-yard rush that tied the score at 21-21 with 6:46 left in the third quarter. James struck again midway through the fourth quarter, securing a contested catch for a 15-yard touchdown that gave CCSU a 28-24 edge.
Zoppi scored eight points during the win over Saint Francis, highlighted by a pressure-packed, game-tying field goal with 00:05 remaining in regulation. Helping Central move to 9-0 against FCS opponents, the second-year Blue Devil went a perfect 5-for-5 on extra-point attempts in addition to nailing his second three-pointer of the season. With CCSU facing a 31-28 deficit on 4th-and-Goal from the 2-yard line, head coach Ryan McCarthy sent Zoppi out for the 19-yard field goal attempt and the sophomore sent the game to overtime.
