WORCESTER, Mass. — The Holy Cross football team opens its season with five tough non-league games, and has already played four of them: Rhode Island, New Hampshire, Bryant and Yale. They cap off the tough opening stretch this Saturday at Syracuse. Kickoff is at noon.

At least one of the Crusaders welcomes it, and feels it will get them ready for Patriot League play.

"Yeah, you want this; for our conference, you want these five hard games," said running back Jayden Clerveaux. "These build us up for the upcoming conference games. These five games will build our confidence for the Patriot League games."

"I obviously like the challenge," said defensive lineman Kevin Gillis. "You have to bring your 'A' game every week and I think that's going to help, especially when we get into conference play."

"Starting off with five hard games is always an experience," said linebacker Cam Santee. "But I feel it gets us acclimated for the rest of the season. You don't want a cake walk going into Patriot League play."