By Brian Bohl
Kareem Huggins knew his team needed a spark. Just 1:27 into the game, Stony Brook generated a touchdown off an interception, quieting most of the Shuart Stadium crowd.
The Seawolves were starting to build momentum against the nationally-ranked Pride, though Huggins ensured that there would be on upset special. On his first carry, the senior running back sprinted to his right before finding a seam between his tackles and guard. When the defense shifted, he darted back between the hash marks, bursting past two waves of Stony Brook defenders. He was soon behind the secondary, racing unimpeded to the end zone for a 58-yard touchdown.
Huggins’ longest run of the season erased the only deficit the Pride would encounter in a 33-28 victory in front of 5,527 fans. It also was the first of Huggins’ two touchdowns; part of a 141-yard rushing game that improved No. 14 Hofstra to 4-0 and into first place in the CAA North Division.
“My line did a very good job,” said Huggins, who is running behind a line featuring two sophomores and a redshirt freshman on the starting unit. “I just exploded through the hole. It didn’t matter that they scored a touchdown. I had to put some points on the board for my team.”
The news wasn’t all positive. Huggins lost a fumble midway through the fourth quarter one play after the Hofstra defense forced a turnover on downs. The turnover took just six seconds off the clock with Hofstra leading by 12 points.
Stony Brook took over at the Hofstra 14-yard line and came within five points when quarterback Josh Dudash connected with J.J. Cox for a short touchdown pass with 5:47 remaining. But Huggins made up for his miscue with his second straight 100-yard running game, tearing through the Seawolves defensive line for a 7.1 yards-per-carry average.
Thanks to the 5-9, 189-pound back, the Pride enter the conference portion of the schedule with positive momentum and a chance to qualify for the Football Championship Subdivision (formerly I-AA) playoffs for the first time since 2001.
“We knew he’d make plays. He’s made plays against everybody this year,” Stony Brook coach Chuck Priore said.
The Pride are ranked ninth out of 12 conference teams in total team rushing. That’s still an improvement from last season, when Hofstra ranked last in that category during a 2-9 season. Huggins’ breakout performance is also alleviating pressure off junior quarterback Bryan Savage, who has thrown seven interceptions the past two games while trying to learn the offense.
Savage threw four interceptions two weeks ago in Rhode Island, though three of the passes went off receivers hands. The Wisconsin transfer also registered three touchdown passes, and they were able to pull out a come-from-behind victory thanks to Huggins’ 130-yard effort.
The 21-year-old has rushed 271 yards the past two games and already recorded 460 yards for year. He could exceed his previous season-high mark of 572 yards this Saturday against Towson, though coach Dave Cohen said his running back/kick returner is emerging as an impact player.
“He’s physical. He’s in great shape. There are very few times this year where I’ve seen anyone take him down one-on-one,” Cohen said. “We have a difference-maker in Kareem.”
Another week, another victory for Kareem Huggins and the Pride. The offensive superstar’s ability to pile up mile-high offensive numbers has gained him the reputation as one of the CAA’s most dangerous backs. (Sean M. Gates)