Merrimack Warriors vs. Holy Cross Crusaders: 2023 Week 1 Recap

Quick answer

Holy Cross Crusaders defeated Merrimack Warriors 42–20 in Week 1, 2023. Final score: Merrimack Warriors 20, Holy Cross Crusaders 42.

Game summary

Line score

Final score and points by quarter.

Team	Q1	Q2	Q3	Q4	Final
Merrimack Warriors	3	6	3	0	20
Holy Cross Crusaders	6	6	12	12	42

Stars of the game

Top passers, rushers, and receivers from cfbfastR play-by-play.

Passing

• Matthew Sluka (Holy Cross) — 175.0 yds · 2 TD · +0.82 EPA/play +9.06 EPA
• Gavin McCusker (Merrimack) — 109.0 yds · +0.03 EPA/play +0.53 EPA
• incomplete (Holy Cross) — 0.0 yds · -0.54 EPA/play -0.54 EPA

Rushing

• Tyvon Edmonds Jr. (Merrimack) — 44.0 yds -0.21 EPA
• Jordan Fuller (Holy Cross) — 110.0 yds · 4 TD +1.17 EPA
• Gavin McCusker (Merrimack) — 44.0 yds · 1 TD +1.37 EPA

Receiving

• Jelani Mason (Merrimack) — 4 rec · 63.0 yds -0.24 EPA
• Jalen Coker (Holy Cross) — 4 rec · 151.0 yds +1.63 EPA
• Donovan Wadley (Merrimack) — 2 rec · 2.0 yds -0.29 EPA

Quarterback report card

Attempts, efficiency, and EPA.

Player	Team	Att	Cmp%	Yds	TD	EPA/play	Total EPA
Matthew Sluka	Holy Cross	11	63.6%	175	2	+0.82	+9.06
Gavin McCusker	Merrimack	16	68.8%	109	0	+0.03	+0.53
incomplete	Holy Cross	1	0.0%	0	0	-0.54	-0.54
incomplete	Merrimack	7	0.0%	0	0	-0.73	-5.13

Team EPA comparison

Stat	Merrimack	Holy Cross
Plays	50	32
EPA / play	+0.003	+0.687
Total EPA	+0.16	+22.00
Success rate	42.0%	78.1%
Pass EPA / play	-0.200	+0.710
Rush EPA / play	+0.177	+0.674
Yards	219	342

Drive chart

Key possessions and results.

Qtr	Offense	Plays	Yards	EPA	Result
Q1	Holy Cross	1	-7	-1.98	Ended
Q1	Merrimack	0	0	—	Field goal
Q1	Holy Cross	6	75	+2.77	Pass TD
Q2	Merrimack	19	126	+4.99	Ended
Q2	Holy Cross	1	14	+2.53	Pass TD
Q2	Merrimack	1	5	+4.18	Rush TD
Q2	Holy Cross	5	26	-0.99	Interception
Q3	Merrimack	18	69	-1.89	Ended
Q3	Holy Cross	7	77	+5.59	Rush TD
Q3	Holy Cross	6	63	+5.16	Rush TD
Q3	Merrimack	0	0	—	Field goal
Q4	Merrimack	1	4	0.00	Ended
Q4	Merrimack	3	2	-2.94	Missed FG
Q4	Holy Cross	5	66	+4.43	Rush TD
Q4	Merrimack	6	1	-3.41	Ended
Q4	Holy Cross	1	28	+4.48	Rush TD

Biggest EPA swings

1. Q4 · Holy Cross Crusaders · Jordan Fuller rushes 28 yards for a touchdown (+4.48 EPA)
2. Q3 · Merrimack Warriors · Kickoff (+4.21 EPA)
3. Q2 · Merrimack Warriors · Gavin McCusker rushes 5 yards for a touchdown (+4.18 EPA)
4. Q1 · Holy Cross Crusaders · Kickoff (+4.02 EPA)
5. Q2 · Holy Cross Crusaders · Kickoff (+3.81 EPA)
6. Q2 · Merrimack Warriors · Gavin McCusker pass to Jelani Mason for 42 yards (3rd & 5) (+3.35 EPA)
7. Q3 · Holy Cross Crusaders · Jordan Fuller rushes for 49 yards (2nd & 5) (+3.28 EPA)
8. Q1 · Holy Cross Crusaders · Matthew Sluka pass to Jalen Coker for a touchdown (29 yards) (+2.77 EPA)

Key takeaways

• Holy Cross Crusaders controlled the final (42–20) in Week 1.
• Passing edge: Matthew Sluka (Holy Cross) — 175.0 yds, 2 TD.
• EPA edge: Holy Cross at 0.687 EPA/play.
• Full EPA, scoring map, and play-by-play live in CFB Analytics Box & Scores.

Frequently asked questions

What was the final score of Merrimack Warriors vs Holy Cross Crusaders?

Merrimack Warriors 20, Holy Cross Crusaders 42 in Week 1 of the 2023 college football season.

Who won Merrimack Warriors vs Holy Cross Crusaders?

Holy Cross Crusaders won with a final score of 20–42.

Where can I find the Merrimack Warriors vs Holy Cross Crusaders box score?

See EPA, scoring timeline, and full play-by-play on FantasyHQ CFB Analytics: /cfb-analytics?game=401540065.

Who led Merrimack Warriors vs Holy Cross Crusaders in passing?

Matthew Sluka (Holy Cross) led passers with 175.0 yards and 2 touchdowns.

Full analytics box score

Explore every snap, drive chart, and the interactive scoring map for Merrimack Warriors at Holy Cross Crusaders in FantasyHQ CFB Analytics Box & Scores.