Williamsburg, KY – The Cumberlands Patriots football team continues to carry momentum as they secured the first shutout of the Matt Rhymer era last Saturday in a big 65-0 win over the Eagles of Cincinnati Christian University. This week, a new flock of Eagles comes to Williamsburg as Faulkner University looks to continue their winning ways, coming off a win over #19 ranked Campbellsville two weeks ago. Kickoff for this early season battle of unbeaten teams is scheduled for 1:30 pm on Saturday, September 8^th. Live video is available on the UC Sports Network here. With gameday just around the corner, here are six things to watch for in this weekend's contest.
 

1. Someone has to take the loss.

Both UC and Faulkner come into today's game without a loss on the season. Also, UC is currently 3-0 all-time against the Eagles. Faulkner would love to put a halt on that streak, but Cumberlands looks to move to 3-0 for the first time since 2013. Both teams will bring a lot of energy to the contest, but which one will absorb their first loss is the question.
 

2. Long-distance traveling is not conducive for winning.

When it comes to teams from outside of Kentucky, Tennessee, and Georgia, UC has had their proverbial number, especially in recent history. Over the last 4+ seasons under Matt Rhymer, the Patriots are 10-1 overall against teams outside of those three states.
 

3. Cumberlands must continue to stay strong up front.

Both the offensive and defensive lines for the Patriots have been a strong point in the early part of the season. That must carry over into Saturday's contest if the Patriots look to be victorious over Faulkner. The Eagles will bring in a sizable front line on both sides of the football, but thus far the guys in the trenches have been up to the task for UC in 2018.
 

4. Limiting turnovers will be crucial in the contest.

Faulkner is +1 in turnover margin after one game this year, where they had four takeaways against Campbellsville. The Patriots carry a +4 turnover margin into Saturday's contest after not allowing a turnover last week against CCU. The team that can capitalize on those giveaways early on in the contest has a huge advantage.
 

5. Keep it to third and manageable.  

Neither team is currently lighting the boards up when it comes to third down conversions. If you are successful in converting the third and short or manageable yardage situations, it will be to the benefit of the team. This game could easily come down to the last drive and needing to convert a third down situation.
 

6. Kicking can be key in this style of contest.

UC's Devon McMillin showed last week that kicking is still one of the most valuable assets to a football team. Not only did he average 47.5 yards per punt including one to pin CCU on their own four-yard line, he went a perfect 8-8 on PATs and 3-3 on field goal opportunities for a school record 17 points, the most by a kicker in a single game. His boot made be relied upon again this week if UC wants to be successful.  
 
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