WORCESTER, Mass. - The Holy Cross Crusaders bounced back from a close loss at Boston College with a big 49-24 win over Yale on Saturday to improve to 2-1 on the season.

Quarterback Matt Sluka was named the Patriot League offensive player of the week, while linebacker Jacob Dobbs earned defensive player of the week honors.

The foundation for the Crusaders' success comes from putting in the hard work at practice, meetings, the film room and the weight room. It's not easy, but the players enjoy it and are having fun.

"This is my senior year, so you have to make it special," said quarterback Matthew Sluka. "Just coming out here every day and realizing every day is a special day to play football. Every day is a moment."

"I enjoy every day, I don't take any day for granted," said offensive lineman Pat McMurtrie. "It's a long process to get back [after knee surgery]. I just take it day by day and enjoy the process. It's been a lot of fun being back with everybody."

"It's amazing, it's fun. I really love it here," said defensive tackle Brice Stevenson. "It's a good culture and we really have a good team."

Holy Cross opens up Patriot League play this Saturday when they host Colgate.