Williamsburg, KY – The Patriots football team looked sharp last week in their 50-17 win over the Bluefield College Rams. Cumberlands improved to 8-1 overall and 3-1 in MSC Appalachian Division play and now have themselves ranked #14 in the NAIA in the latest poll. This week, UC celebrates Senior Day with their final home game of the season at James H. Taylor, II Stadium against the Knights of St. Andrews University. Kickoff for Saturday's contest is set for 1:30 pm with live video available here. Here are six things to watch for in this weekend's contest.
 

1. Pass protection is key.

The offensive line has done a solid job all year at blocking for the Patriots. Solid pass protection could prove to be crucial in this contest. If you give your quarterback time to go through his progressions, he has the opportunity to make a big play for your team.
 

2. Keep your head up in the secondary.

St. Andrews attempted to utilize the deep ball a few times against the Patriots last season, coming up successful on a few occasions. If you can prevent that, you can concentrate on the running game, which seems to be their more successful method of moving the football this season.
 

3. Get over the first quarter jitters.

Cumberlands has struggled recently in putting the ball in the end zone in the first quarter. Over the last six contests, UC has scored just 25 points in the first 15 minutes of play while going scoreless in two of those quarters. Set the tone early, get out in front, and play from ahead the rest of the game.
 

4. Again, no more penalties.

Yes, as a football player, you get caught up in the moment multiple times during a game. However, you must use better judgment and keep your head. Penalties of 10 and 15 yards are detrimental to your offense if you are driving and a major blow to your defense if you are in the middle of a big stop.
 

5. It's a give and take (and capitalize) thing.

Defensively, give the big blow or hit, take the ball away, and capitalize by scoring points. The Patriots are +7 in turnover margin on the year. This team has the potential to have that number in double digits by the end of the regular season.
 

6. Send your seniors off with style.

You always want to send of seniors off with a win in their final home game. Make this one even sweeter as a win today will give the Patriots their 200^th win in program history.
 
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