Williamsburg, KY – After a bye week, the Patriots football team will close out their regular season on Saturday, November 10^th as they travel to take on the Bears of the University of Pikeville. At 9-1 overall on the year, the Patriots are looking for their first ten-win season since 2013. Kickoff for Saturday's contest is slated for 6 pm with live video available here. Here are six things to watch for in this weekend's contest.
 

1. Confuse the quarterback.

The defense of the Patriots has been very sharp during the 2018 season. Allowing just 16.3 points per game, UC is best in the Mid-South Conference and ninth in the NAIA in scoring defense per game. This has been possible because of the depth of the defensive line, the numerous blitz packages, and the toughness of the secondary. Carry it over to Saturday to confuse the UPike quarterback and give your offense great field position in the contest.
 

2. Seal off the running lanes.

Offensively, Cumberlands has been stellar. Ranking inside the top five in both the MSC and the NAIA in total scoring offense and total rushing offense, the big guys in the trenches have been an outstanding anchor for the Patriots. Continue to seal off those running lanes for one of the most prolific running back cores in the country and it spells success for UC.
 

3. Silence the home crowd.

It's Senior Day for the Bears on Saturday so there will be a good crowd on hand at Hambley Athletic Complex. If Cumberlands can open up a good lead early in the game as they have in their last two games against both Bluefield and St. Andrews, then they can take the crowd out of the game early as they will all be looking for warmth elsewhere on a cold Kentucky night.
 

4. Make a big play on special teams.

UC has yet to find the end zone this year on a punt or kick return. The last time the Patriots did not score a special teams touchdown on a return is the 2011 season. Find a seam and push down the field for a quick score. The punt block has been very strong this year as well for UC, forcing some safeties early on. If the punt team shows some weakness, take the chance and go after it.
 

5. Finish strong and move on.

It's the final game of the regular season. It's a chance for the first ten win season since 2013. It's a chance for the first playoff appearance under Head Coach Matt Rhymer. Take it one game at a time as you have for much of the season and UC could see themselves postseason bound.
 

6. Break the hearts of your competition.

Reinhardt, Lindsey Wilson, and Southeastern were all preseason favorites to win their respective divisions in the Mid-South Conference. Bethel has won the Bluegrass division and secured their postseason berth after being picked fifth in their division. Reinhardt also is secure in the playoffs after winning the Appalachian Division. The Sun division leaders as well as a number of preseason top 25 teams including Campbellsville, Southeastern, Georgetown, Faulkner, and Lindsey Wilson are now just a week away from having their postseason aspirations taken from them. A win by the Patriots and Cumberlands should secure their postseason berth, breaking the hearts of those just outside on the bubble.
 
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