CUA begins 2012 season on Friday night at home

WASHINGTON - The 2012 season kicks off on Friday evening when CUA welcomes the McDaniel Green Terror to town.  The Cardinals are coming off a year in which they won their most games since 2008, but struggled down the stretch, losing their final three contests.  All-American quarterback Greg Cordivari leads the way on offense after completing 63.6% of his passes for 3,282 yards a season ago.  Junior linebacker Conor Stueckler will anchor the Cards’ defense after leading the squad with 95 tackles and earning All-ODAC accolades.

CUA and McDaniel are meeting for the 16th time on Friday with the Green Terror leading the series 10-5.  The schools first met in 1912 and have split the last four meetings.

The Cardinals have won five of six season openers under Dave Dunn with the lone loss coming in 2009 vs. Shenandoah.  Prior to Dunn arriving at CUA, the Cards had lost seven straight openers.

Cordivari had a terrific year in 2011, throwing for the second most yards in a single season in school history (3,282).  Cordivari set the school record for single season completions (321) and attempts (505) and his 25 touchdowns were the third most.  A native of Downingtown, Pa., Cordivari was named a preseason All-American by Beyond College Sports Network (BSN) and USA Football News.

CUA returns all 11 starters on offense from a year ago, including four All-ODAC selections.  The Cardinals bring back 100% of their passing (3,282 yards), 96.5% of their rushing (648 yards) and 92.6% of their receiving (3,040 yards).

CUA finished the 2011 season ranked fourth in the nation in passing offense, averaging 328.2 yards per game.  The Cardinals eclipsed the 300-yard mark seven times, including a high of 459 in the opener at McDaniel.

Of CUA’s 41 scoring drives last season, 32 took fewer than three minutes and seven were under a minute.

CUA won four games in the final two minutes last season and outscored opponents by a combined count of 96-65 in the fourth quarter.

For more information on the CUA – McDaniel matchup, check out this week’s game notes.

Friday’s game will begin at 7 p.m. under the lights inside Cardinal Stadium.  Live video and stats will be available here.