Williamsburg, KY – After an extensive beat down of the Bulldogs of Union College 98-0 last week, the Patriots return to the road on Saturday, October 5^th as they take on the University of Pikeville. UC looks to stay unbeaten and move to 4-0 as well as pick up their first Mid-South Conference Bluegrass Division win of the season. Kickoff for Saturday's contest is set for 7 pm with live video available here. Here are six things to watch for in this weekend's contest.
 

1. Continue to show your strength on defense.

The defense of the Patriots has been stifling thus far in 2019. UC is only allowing 12.3 points per game this season, which is ninth best in the NAIA. UC is allowing just 15.9% third down conversion rate including zero for the last 26 attempts, which is best in the country. If Cumberlands can continue to stay this sharp this weekend against the Bears, it spells out another big win for the Patriots.
 

2. Find your open space and attack it.

Offensively, Cumberlands has been stellar. Ranking inside the top five in the NAIA in scoring offense per game (57.7), total offensive yards per game (502.0 yards), and rushing offense per game (275.3 yards), it will be hard to slow down the Patriots if you are the Bears' defense. The Patriots must use that balanced offense to get open in the flats as well as downfield in open space.
 

3. Silence the home crowd.

Hambley Athletic Complex usually brings in a pretty good crowd for Pikeville Bears games. Do everything you can if you are a Patriot fan to counteract it. If you are able, make the trip and drown out the sound. If you are the team, score early and often and the wind will be taken right out of the sails of those who are donning the orange and black.
 

4. Make a big play on defense or special teams.

UC has yet to find the end zone this year on defense or special teams (punt or kick return). The Patriots went scoreless on special teams last season. Find a seam and push down the field for a quick score. Defensively, step in front and take home a pick-six or scoop-and-score.
 

5. Keep your head and steer clear of penalties.

Cumberlands has done a solid job this season of not committing the big penalties that cost them dearly in contests. In your first divisional contest of the season, you must minimalize mistakes as much as possible to help your own cause in working toward that win.  
 

6. Turn the heads of your competitors around the country.

Last week's win over Union turned many heads around the NAIA toward the Patriots. The score should not be the only reason why those people should look at you as a threat. Your cerebral defense combined with the ability to move the football more than one way offensively should make others worry about you. Make them continue to look at you as a threat. Push those buttons and make them worry to see you across the line of scrimmage from them.
 
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