Sept 7, 2002

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AMHERST, Mass. - Quarterback Jeff Krohn, an Arizona State transfer, threw four touchdown passes as Massachusetts beat Central Connecticut State 52-3 Saturday.

Massachusetts (1-0) led 21-0 less than nine minutes into the game. The Minutemen had the ball for just 6:36 in the first half, yet led 28-3 at halftime.

Jason Peebler rushed for 126 yards on 18 carries and scored three touchdowns, two on the ground and one on a 9-yard pass from Krohn that opened the scoring. Raunny Rosario ran for 116 yards on 12 carries with a touchdown.

Central Connecticut (0-2) suffered its second straight 52-3 loss, after bowing to Maine last week. The Blue Devils managed 22 first downs, but were outgained 479-261 in the first football meeting between the schools.

Central Connecticut quarterback Scott Dolch was 16 of 34 for 126 yards. Major Cole led the ground game with 82 yards on 25 carries.

A 20-yard field goal by Derek Pearson in the second quarter gave the Blue Devils their only points.

Krohn was 15 for 30 for 198 yards with two interceptions. He was pulled after three quarters, helping Massachusetts build a 38-3 lead. The Minutemen needed only 1:30 to score on Krohn's pass to Peebler.

On its next possession, Massachusetts moved 52 yards in five plays which took just 45 seconds - culminating in DeShon Hardy's 18-yard TD reception from Krohn. That made it 14-0.

Peebler scored on a 1-yard run less than five minutes later, and after Pearson's field goal, Krohn found Adrian Zullo for a 28-yard scoring strike, making it 28-3 at halftime.

Zullo had 6 catches for 96 yards. Hardy caught another touchdown pass to open scoring in the second half.

Massachusetts captured its most lopsided season-opening win since a 50-0 victory over Cooper Union (N.Y.) in 1932.