Williamsburg, KY – The Cumberlands Patriots football team returns to the NAIA Football Championship Series this weekend for the first time since 2013. UC will take to the road to face the Ravens of Benedictine College, who makes their 14^th appearance in the NAIA postseason. The 10-1 Patriots make their eighth appearance in the NAIA FCS and their seventh since 2007. Kickoff for Saturday's contest is scheduled for 1 pm eastern time with live video available here. Here are six things (plus the extra point) to watch for in this weekend's contest.

1. Control the line of scrimmage offensively.

The "trench warriors" up front for the Patriots have been a key point to their success this season. UC must continue to seal off their blocks and set running lanes as Cumberlands will need to establish their running game to set the precedent in the contest.

2. Defensive front must cause controversy.

Cumberlands has had the benefit of seeing a number of players make an impact on games this season from the front line. Those men must create some headaches for the Ravens up front and give the linebackers an opportunity to get to the quarterback. If the Patriots can get strong play out of both their core of linemen, offensive and defensive, it will help lead them to a win on Saturday.

3. Shut down the deep threat.

Wide receiver Aaron Jackson has caught 49 passes for 879 yards on the season with 13 of the 24 touchdown receptions made on the year for the Ravens. He has three games with 100+ yards receiving and four multi-touchdown games on the year. Prevent him and the rest of the Ravens' receiving core from being you deep down the field and Benedictine may struggle to keep drives alive on the day.

4. Make the big play offensively.

To win the big game, it usually requires the winning team to make that outstanding play offensively that either gets the momentum on your side for a large portion of the game or caps off the contest. Make the big catch to extend the drive, break off the big run for a score, or successfully execute the play out of the bag of tricks to give your team the momentum they need to finish off the game strong and come out on the winning side of the box score.

5. Overcome the road woes.

The Patriots are 5-7 overall in the NAIA Football Championship Series with all five wins coming at James H. Taylor, II Stadium. Cumberlands is winless on the road in NAIA Postseason play dating back to 1988. No player on the Patriots' team was a member of the program the last time the Patriots were in the NAIA FCS. Make a statement to the NAIA and come away with a road win in the first round and make your way to the NAIA FCS Quarterfinals.

6. Every game is a tough game.

Down to the final 16 teams in the NAIA playing football this week, every game will be a tough one from here on out. UC enters the game with the fourth ranked total rushing offense and fifth ranked total scoring offense in the NAIA, but Benedictine comes into the contest with the second ranked scoring defense per game and the fourth ranked total scoring offense. The team that plays the most consistent and makes the big play at the big time will be the one that comes away victorious in this one.

7. Play Patriot football. (The extra point)

It is as simple as that. UC has turned heads all season long with this team of dynamic athletes. Many of the preseason projections and predictions said the Patriots' season would be over after last week's game. Now is the time for the student-athletes to prove those people wrong. These young men put together a ten-win season, put together a pair of five-game winning streaks, and most importantly EARNED their spot in the NAIA Postseason overcoming adversity with hard work and determination. Continue to play with that chip on your shoulder, give everything you have for 60 minutes, and leave no doubts on that field when the final whistle is blown on Saturday. UC has adopted the saying "PTS" which stands for Process to Success. This process to success can lead to their second and final goal, perfection. 

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