Fordham University had momentum and was riding high after driving down the field and scoring a touchdown to tie the game at 23. With only 1:53 remaining on the clock for the Blue Devils, an overtime period was all but certain.

The Blue Devils brought in an experienced, battle-tested graduate transfer quarterback in Aaron Winchester for moments just like this.

“I feel like I’m very poised, nothing really rattles me. I’ve been in a lot of situations where I’ve succeeded and failed,” Winchester said during an interview days before the matchup against Fordham.

“My first career start, I didn’t know I was starting until the day of, as a redshirt freshman. I’m just like ‘Man, alright let’s go,’ so ever since then I realized if I can handle this, I can handle anything.”

Winchester handled the situation and led his offense down the field, with a 6 play, 61-yard drive that set up senior kicker Francis Cole to hit the potentially game-winning kick as time expired.

Cole did his job and delivered the 31-yard game-winning field goal, sealing the 26-23 victory for CCSU. This kick came after two attempts to “ice the kicker” by the Rams, neither of which panned out for Fordham.

This victory is the first in the Ryan McCarthy-era for the Blue Devils and the hope is that there are many more on the horizon.

The Blue Devils were led by their quarterback all game long, not just during the closing minutes of the game.

Winchester accounted for 221 of 367 total yards for CCSU. He threw for 113 yards and a touchdown, and added on 108 yards on the ground. Winchester even showed his versatility while catching a pass during a two-point conversion attempt.

Often on the receiving end of Winchester’s passes were tight end Arthur Gilmore and wide receiver Tyshaun James.

The former led all pass catchers in passing yards with 38 while the latter was tied for most catches on the night, with 3 receptions for 32 yards and a touchdown.

Following the win Winchester took to social media and credited all phases of the team for the victory.

“Team balled out in all phases when called upon,” Winchester said.

Special team delivered the game-winner, the punting unit averaged 44.6 yards per kick, the offense scored multiple touchdowns and the defense forced multiple turnovers, which included a pick-six.

Starting cornerback Dexter Lawson, Jr. delivered the pick-six, the first interception and score for the defense this season.

Lawson was also credited with a forced fumble, four tackles and half of a sack, which combined earned him Northeast Conference Defensive Player of the Week honors.

The leading tacklers for the Blue Devils on the night were safety DJ Exilhomme and linebacker Mike Mushaw with seven each.

Exilhomme was the leading tackler for Central a season ago.

The Blue Devils head home after the exciting game to open their season and will try to carry that excitement and momentum into their home opener this week.

Central faces Merrimack University at home, under the lights, on Sept. 7. Kickoff is scheduled for 6:00 p.m. Following the contest the team will be away for the next four weeks.