Williamsburg, KY – Coming off of a 52-27 homecoming win over Campbellsville, the UC football team looks to carry that momentum on the road as they travel to Pikeville, KY to face the Bears Saturday afternoon with a 1:30 p.m. kickoff.  The Patriots are 5-2 on the season and have won three consecutive games over the Bears. This will be the 19^th meeting between these two schools with UC holding a 12-6 edge in the series with all of those meeting coming as part of conference games. 

Pikeville enters the game with 2-5 overall and 0-4 in conference games after falling to Lindsey Wilson 31-0 last Saturday.  The Bears are 2-2 at home with back-to-back wins over Bluefield (52-20) and Webber International (59-0) to open the season. Pikeville is averaging 378.7 yards of offense, including 180.8 yards on the ground and 17.7 points per game this season.

"Pikeville has gotten better every week and continue to compete each game this season. They have a strong defense that can make big plays, especially in the secondary, while offensively we'll have to try and stop the run," said Head Coach Matt Rhymer. 

Find a Balance Offense

Cumberlands enters this week averaging 426.0 yards of offense, including 226.6 rushing yards per game.  The Patriots are coming off of their biggest offensive output of the season accumulating 700 yard of offense, including 496 on the ground.  If Cumberlands can continue to control the line of scrimmage and give the back holes to run through in addition to the receivers time to run their routes it will make for a long day for the Pikeville defense.  The return of Zalon Reynolds spark the offense as he finished with 186 yards and a touchdown in the win over Campbellsville to surpass 1,000 yards for his career.  UC's depth was on full display as Javarie White, Devin Jones, Jakob Greer, Nathan Arnold, and AP Parham all record a rushing score last Saturday. Cumberlands averaged 9.5 yards per rush last Saturday and for the season are averaging 5.6 yards per carry, which will be a tough matchup for the Bears front seven, who has limited opponents to 3.7 yards per carry.

"Zalon has played and made tough runs against good opponents and has a great ability to collect yards after contact," said Coach Rhymer.  "Having him back helps everyone on the field and raises their confidence."

In addition to establishing the run game, Jakob Greer will make his first start for the Red & Navy.  The junior transfer went 15-27 for 192 yards and a touchdown against the Tigers last Saturday.  On the season, Greer has thrown for 275 yards and a pair of scores.  With the return of Alonzo Russell last game, Greer will have the full complement of target to look for and help UC move the ball through the air.  This week could serve as breakout weeks for Eli Evans, Ethan Cox, and Parham as the Bears defense comes into the game allowing 284.0 through the air.

Win the Turnover Battle

The Patriots defended Campbellsville, despite losing the turnover battle last week 5-3.  On the season, UC holds a +2 advantage in the turnover game as they forced three turnovers last Saturday.  UC now has 12 interceptions on the season, which ranks 11^th in the NAIA as those turnovers have flipped the field to put their offense in prime position to score.  Damon Byrnes-Mitchell leads the team with three interceptions, while Walker Dunn and Ke'Shawn Catlett have a pair of picks each. 

UC has continued to create havoc for opposing offenses with 21 sacks, which is tied for 17^th in the NAIA. 15 different Patriot have gotten to the quarterback this season led by Kendal Adams-Young, who has tallied a team-high 5.0 sacks. 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 Bears offense.

"We have to make sure we are playing assignment football, which should minimize the big plays and give our team a chance to force Pikeville into tough situations," said Coach Rhymer.

Special Teams Needs to Continue to be Special

One of the most consistent aspect for the Patriots have been their special teams.  Last week, Trip Holloway went 8-8 on kicks, including converting a career-high 41-yard field goal in the win.  Anthony Velasquez continue to pin opponents deep as he is averaging 57.3 yards per kickoff.  Harlin Brown, who comes into the week averaging 39.24 yards per punt was not called upon last week, however, is eager to make the most of his opportunity if the Patriots are forced to punt this week.  Look for the UC special teams to continue to contribute and have a big impact on the team's success this week.

Build on the Momentum

The Patriots have won the last three against the Bears and come into Saturday's game looking to make plays in all three facets of the game.  With Cumberlands closing out the season with Georgetown and Lindsey Wilson, a pair of ranked opponents, its critical to come away Saturday with the win and some momentum as they head into the final stretch of the season. 

Gameday Information

Fans can purchase tickets for the game at a cost of $10 per ticket for adult and $5 for students.  Fans can tune into the game on the UPIKE 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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