BREAKING: Christopher Newport University (CNU) has made history by finishing its first unbeaten regular season in football with a decisive 27-7 victory over The College of New Jersey on November 3, 2023. This monumental win in Ewing solidifies CNU’s record at 10-0 overall and 7-0 in the New Jersey Athletic Conference.
In a standout performance, senior wide receiver Colin Hart shattered records by becoming the all-time receptions leader for CNU, catching seven passes for 101 yards. Quarterback Connor Barry, a frontrunner for All-American honors, completed 18 of 26 passes for 201 yards and two touchdowns. He also contributed a rushing touchdown, running for 33 yards on seven carries.
CNU’s remarkable season has been led by head coach Paul Crowley, and the team has now won 15 consecutive games dating back to last season. They have gained recognition as the 7th ranked team in the nation according to d3football.com.
The Captains took control early in the game, with running back Zavier Kennedy scoring a 2-yard touchdown to break a scoreless tie with 7:20 left in the second quarter. Following a defensive stand, Barry connected with Josh Powell for an 11-yard TD pass, extending the lead to 14-0 at halftime.
Barry’s 2-yard touchdown run on CNU’s first drive of the third quarter pushed the score to 21-0. The Lions, however, ended CNU’s shutout bid with a 17-yard touchdown run from Joe Visaggio with 10:44 remaining in the fourth quarter. The game concluded with Barry throwing a 3-yard touchdown pass to Gunner White, sealing the win.
As CNU awaits the announcement of its playoff bracket on NCAA.com at 5 p.m. on Sunday, the team is anticipated to receive a first-round bye and possibly host a game in the round of 32. This pivotal moment marks a significant achievement not only for the players and coaching staff but also for the entire CNU community, igniting excitement as they prepare for the postseason.
Fans and supporters are encouraged to stay tuned for the playoffs, as CNU aims to carry this momentum into the national championship hunt.
