Williamsburg, KY – The UC football team is determined to not let one setback hold them back from the season goals as they travel up I75 to face Thomas More Saturday afternoon with a 1:30 p.m. kickoff.  The Patriots have remain mentioned in NAIA Top-25 Coaches Poll, dropping to receiving votes, however it's the fourth straight week that the Patriots have been mentioned in the poll.  It will be the 3^rd meeting between these two schools, with the Patriots winning the previous two meeting, including a 20-17 overtime win last season.

Thomas More is 2-3 on the season after falling to top-ranked Lindsey Wilson 47-0 last Saturday.  The saints are 0-2 at home but opened conference play with a 73-28 win over Campbellsville on September 30. Thomas More other win came in the season opener where they defeated Bluefield 45-33.  The Saints are averaging 315.6 yards per game with 143.0 of the coming on the ground.

"Thomas More is a quality team that is well coached and has two or three of the best players in the conference," said Head Coach Matt Rhymer. "We are looking to stay focus and challenge ourselves to rebound after last week and have gotten better in our preparation this week, which will make for a good game Saturday."

Creating Defensive Pressure              

The Patriots defense has continued to be one of the best in the NAIA holding opponents to 15 points or fewer in each of their first five games.  Cumberlands is ranked seventh in the NAIA in points per game at 12.4, which is the second best in the MSC.  UC has created havoc for opposing offenses with 18 sacks and ten interceptions on the season, which ranks 15^th and 7^th, respectfully in the NAIA.  UC tallied two sacks against Cumberland making in the fourth consecutive game with multiple sacks.  Kendal Adams-Young is ranked 13^th in the NAIA with a team-high 5.0 sacks, while Kumi Sarpong  Jr. has made 4.5 sacks and ranks fourth all-time in program history. This duo along with the rest of the Patriot front seven need to continue to pressure the quarterback while shutting down running lanes to neutralize the Saints rushing attack.

"Our defense has a great plan every week and the guys have really been brought in on that side of the ball," said Coach Rhymer. "We've been able to rotate players and have seen players continue to step up when they get those opportunities."

In addition to the pressure up front that the Patriots, UC's linebackers and secondary will need to continue to step up and make plays on Saturday.  Last Saturday marked the first time this season that UC didn't record multiple interceptions in a game.  Look for safeties Walker Dunn and Damon Byrnes-Mitchell along with Jacobie Elkins and JR Smith to get back on track this week and create turnovers and flip the field position.  Dunn and Adam Chaney each notched nine tackles against the Phoenix and if Chaney and Tae Hammond can help cover those gaps and add pressure it could make for a long day for the Saints.  If the Patriots defense can prevent the big play, force turnovers, and continue to flip the field position they'll put themselves in a great chance to win on Saturday.

Offensive Rebound

Despite being held to just ten points against Cumberland, UC is still ranked third in the NAIA averaging 46.8 points per game this season.  Cumberlands was limited to 101 yards rushing and converted 1-13 on third down conversions. The Patriots need to get back to putting themselves in more manageable third down situations, while finding a balance between their passing and running games. Getting his first start of the season, Devon Jones rushed for 79 yards, scored a touchdown, and is averaging 6.2 yards per carry.  Jamar Nuby has found the end zone a team-high five times this year, while Ben Nixon has tallied 215 yards and three scores on the ground.  Expect the Patriots to establish a rushing attack in this game to open up the opportunity for a big play.

Nixon was riding a five game-win streak dating back to the Thomas More win at the end of last season until he took his first setback last weekend.  Cumberlands expect Nixon to continue to lead the Patriots offense has he has tallied 754 yards and 13 touchdowns through the air.  Nixon has three four-touchdown performances on the season and if he is able to avoid the pressure and connect with his receiver could add another strong performance Saturday.  The Patriots are also looking for the receiving core of Eli Evans, AP Parham and Brandon Stuckey to continue to build on their strong starts.  With speed and versatility these guys can create a multitude of miss-matches throughout the game.

"AP is a talented player that practice and plays hard and we have to get him going this week," said Coach Rhymer. "We've been continuing to count on Eli a lot this season has he's been a big target and has made some incredible plays this season."

Special Teams Needs to Continue to be Special

Once again the special teams continued to be a strong performer for Cumberlands.  Last week it was a block punt by Byrnes-Mitchell, a Harlin Brown 12-yard run for a first down, and a Tripp Holloway field goal that highlighted there special teams performance.  UC will continue to rely on this group to have an impact and be a game changer against Thomas More.  Harlin Brown and Anthony Velasquez have continued to pin opposing offense deep on punts and kickoffs. Brown is averaging 42.32 yards per punt and has put ten punt inside the opponents 20, while Velasquez is averaging 59.9 yards per kickoff, with four touchbacks.  If this duo can continue to build on the past few games, opposing offenses with have to drive a long way against a formidable defense. 

Just like with the Patriots kickers, UC has had a solid return game in part to J.R. Lucas.  The junior is averaging 11.3 yards per punt return and looks like he's about due to break one deep.  Look for him or AP Parham on kickoffs to get an opportunity to take one to the house on Saturday.

Put Together Another Complete Game

The Patriots have won the last two meetings against the Saints and come into Saturday's game looking to make plays in all three facets of the game.  UC is still ranked in the top-ten of the NAIA in both offense and defense, however, needs to pick up a win this weekend to jump back into the top-25 and keep NAIA postseason chance open.

Gameday Information

For fans attending the game, all unvaccinated individuals must wear a face covering within six feet of others.  Fans can tune into the game on the Thomas More Sports Network for live video here. In addition, The Country Giant 104.3 will be broadcasting to their local markets or the Country Giant App, while live stats of the game will be available here.
 
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