Williamsburg, KY – Cumberlands football continued to show their dominance last weekend, putting together an impressive second half shutout against the then 23^rd-ranked Wildcats of Bethel University for the 49-21 win. The Patriots, now 5-0 overall and 2-0 in MSC Bluegrass Division play, are mid-way through their regular season and have asserted themselves as a team who is ready to be seen on a national level. This week, UC returns to the road as they take on the Phoenix of Cumberland University. Kickoff for Saturday's contest is slated for 7 PM eastern time with live video available here. Here are six things to watch for in this weekend's contest.
 

1. Put together your best defensive effort.

The Patriots have the best scoring offense in the Mid-South Conference at 49.2 points per contest. On the flip side, the Phoenix boast the third-worst scoring offense in the MSC at 17.4 points per game. UC should try to exploit this today and send multiple looks at an offense that struggles to put points on the board. UC has never recorded two shutout wins in a single season, but have the potential to do so this week.
 

2. Find your offensive stride early.

Generally known for getting off the ball quickly and into the end zone early and often, UC has not been the most prolific offense in the first quarter this season. Take away the 28-point effort they had against Union in the first fifteen minutes, Cumberlands has scored just 24 points over the other four contests. Jump ahead and find the pay dirt against the Phoenix and see if they can make adjustments against the much-more balanced offense UC has put on the field as of late.
 

3. Go through your progressions carefully.

If you are starting quarterback Josiah Robbins, take your time and go through your progressions carefully this week. The offensive line has done a solid job all season giving time in the pocket to find the second and third options on receivers. Use the legs if necessary, but find those options and move the ball through the air.
 

4. Continue your stellar play on special teams.

The Patriots have done a fantastic job this season overall on special teams. Darius Young is averaging just under 29 yards per kick return this season. Devin McMillin is 37 of 41 on extra-point opportunities while he averages just under 40 yards per punt. Keep up the solid play and your opponent will stay off kilter, especially if you continue to pin them deep inside their own territory.
 

5. Don't let the Phoenix rise.

After a one year hiatus from playing one another, these two teams are back at it again. These teams have played each other 22 times in the program's history with the Patriots winning 12 of those contests. Recently though, it is the Phoenix who have been victorious, winning the last two while taking three of the last five as well as two of those coming in Lebanon. Come out and take care of business and the season will continue to play itself out as it should.
 

6. Prepare to rewrite the record book.

The Patriots have had a number of records rewritten this season. Many have come from quarterback Robbins and Wes Hayes who have continued to climb within the ranks of many career records including passing, receiving, and even single game marks. Tyler Pendleton has an opportunity to move up in the ranks as well. Keep your eyes open as UC will make a number of program-bests change by season's end.
 
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