Williamsburg, KY – Cumberlands football continued to show some dominance last weekend with a 38-7 win over the Skyhawks of Point University. The Patriots, now 7-1 overall and 2-1 in MSC Appalachian Division play, have asserted themselves over the last two weeks as a team who is ready to be seen on a national level. This week, UC returns home for Homecoming as the Rams of Bluefield College visit James H. Taylor, II Stadium. Kickoff for Saturday's contest is slated for 7 pm with live video available here. Here are six things to watch for in this weekend's contest.
 

1. Keep the intensity.

Since the 27–10 lost to Reinhardt, the Patriots have outscored their opposition 105-14. This is attributed to the stellar defense as well as the high-powered rushing attack that the Patriots have come out with over the last two weeks. In the last month, UC has only allowed 51 points, an average of 12.8 points per contest.
 

2. Startle the quarterback.

Due to injury, the Rams will send a freshman quarterback out onto the field for his first collegiate start against the Patriots. Defensively, if UC can get to him early with their number of different blitz packages, it could spell trouble very early for Bluefield.
 

3. Score early and score often.

Although a chunk of the Patriots' scoring has come in the final 30 minutes of the last two games (56 total in two second halves of play), Cumberlands must look to put a good amount of points on the board early against the Rams. Bluefield defensive coordinator Dino Kaklis has been known to make good adjustments at half time with his teams. If you can put the points up early, it may force the opposing players to shut down early.
 

4. Press the kicking game.

Special teams has been a friend of the Patriots for much of the season. Devon McMillin has been solid in all three aspects he covers (punting, field goals, extra point). Nick Amaya and Anthony Velasquez has also done a solid job in pinning teams deep in their own territory on the kickoff. This week, a big punt return or kick return could jumpstart this Patriots' team to another impressive showing.
 

5. No more big penalties.

Cumberlands continues to be one of the highest penalized teams in the Mid-South Conference. At 89.3 yards per game, UC must do everything they can to not aid the Rams in any way, shape, or form. A clean, crisp played game will trend toward the Patriots when it comes to the scoreboard.
 

6. Break the big play.

UC has done a very good job this season in putting together solid scoring drives. The one thing that Cumberlands has not really done is breakaway for many big yardage scores. The Patriots will continue to take the shots downfield and if they can succeed on one of these, it can quiet down an opposing sideline quickly.
 
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