Williamsburg, KY – The Patriots football teams closes out their regular season with one of their toughest test yet as they host top-ranked Lindsey Wilson.  It will mark the second straight game against a ranked opponent for UC as they kickoff at 1:30 p.m. Saturday afternoon at James H. Taylor, II Stadium.  Cumberlands is 6-3 on the season and have won seven straight games in the friendly confines of the deuce.  Lindsey Wilson won last year's meeting 45-10 as this year will mark the eighth meeting between the two schools as the Blue Raiders hold a 5-2 edge in the series with a 3-1 advantage in conference games. 

Lindsey Wilson enters the game 9-0 overall and are riding a 20-game win streak dating back to the start of the 2020 season.  The Blue Raiders are 4-0 on the road this season with their last road win being a 41-10 win over #22 Bethel on October 30.  Lindsey Wilson has statistically the top-ranked defense in the country limiting opponents to 8.3 points per game and 202.2 yards per game, while offensively the Blue Raiders are averaging 4.52 points per game, which ranks fifth in the NAIA. 

Control the Possession

Going up against the Blue Raiders, its imperative that Cumberlands controls the possession and creates long drives. This can help tire out the Blue Raiders defense while also keeping their offense off the field.  A major step in this goal is to win in the trenches and establish the run game.  UC comes into the week averaging 214.4 yards per game on the ground, which is 12^th best in the NAIA this season.  With the double-header monster in the Patriot backfield of Martize Smith and Zalon Reynolds, getting them off to a great start is key.  Smith has totaled 548 yards this season, averaging 91.33 yards per game, while rushing for 283 over the past two weeks and can continue to help set the tone for the Patriots this week.  Reynolds is averaging a team-best 7.4 yards per carry and could give UC burst of speed and toughness throughout the game.

"I feel like Martize is the best runningback in the conference and the tandem of Martize and Zalon will have to make tough runs this week against a top defense," said Head Coach Matt Rhymer.  "Both of these guys are special and create great opportunities with the ball."

Establishing the run should help set up a big day for the Patriots passing attack as Ben Nixon has a talented group of receivers that have stepped up each week.  Last week, Ethan Cox caught his second touchdown of the season as he is one of six Patriots with multiple touchdown receptions. Also look for Brandon Stuckey, who is play his final home game in the red and navy to have a big day as he looks to climb in the Patriots record books.  The senior is three receptions away from being sixth all-time in a season (37) and fourth all-time in a career (72). Stuckey is also ranked fourth in program history in receiving yards with 1,394, while he is one touchdown from becoming the seventh player to catch at least eight touchdowns in a season. 

Win the Turnover Battle

The Patriots comes into Saturday holing a +2 advantage in the turnover game as they forced multiple interceptions in each of their six wins on the year.  UC now has 14 interceptions on the season, which ranks 16th in the NAIA as those turnovers have flipped the field to put their offense in prime position to score.  Five different Patriots have recorded multiple interceptions this season led by three from Damon Byrnes-Mitchell.  If they're able to do it on Saturday and win the turnover battle, it could prevent big plays for Blue Raiders and set up short field position for the Patriot offense.

Coach Rhymer added, "We have to continue to play with confidence and make sure we are tightening the coverage and compete for every ball. It's also a game where we are going to need to win the one-on-one matchups." 

In addition to winning the turnover battle UC's secondary will have their hands full with a talented receiving core of the Blue Raiders.  If the Patriots front seven can get to quarterback Cameron Dukes, while the secondary plays strong coverage it could prevent the splash plays that Lindsey Wilson has utilized this season to pull away from its competition.

Special Teams Needs to Continue to be Special

One of the most consistent aspect for the Patriots have been their special teams.  The trio of Harlin  Brown, Trip Holloway, and Anthony Velasquez continue to make the most of their opportunities.  Last week Brown was called upon nine times as he averaged 43.7 yards per punt pinning the Tigers inside their 20 three times with one punt over 50 yards.  Velasquez is averaging 57.2 yards per kickoff, while  Holloway is 3-5 on field goals and 43-46 on extra points.  Lindsey Wilson has a strong special team unit that puts the Blue Raiders offense in positive scoring positions if Cumberlands is able to win the special teams battle, they'll be able to keep the game close and pull out a late win.

"Special teams are extremely important because Lindsey Wilson has some of the best special teams in the country and they utilize it to set up the rest of their team," said Coach Rhymer. "It's important that we maintain our assignments and limit the big plays on the defensive side."

Gameday Information

Fans can purchase tickets for the game at a cost of $8 per ticket for adult and $5 for students.  Fans can tune into the game on the UC 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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