Williamsburg, KY – The Patriots are coming off a win against Cumberland University in week two, rallying six touchdowns against the Phoenix. The scores came three in the air, two on the ground and one defensively. With the short week ahead and a top-five opponent coming up, the win boosted the Patriots confidence as they retake control of the season. This holds true as they face their first road contest.

Lindsey Wilson got an extra week of rest, electing to postpone their showing against Georgetown in week two to week four. Cumberlands cannot focus on this, they have to play the game on their own terms. The Patriots should use the confidence boost from their first win, but take the game against Lindsey Wilson at face value. The winner of this contest has a better advantage to win the division and make the NAIA tournament.

Two-Headed Monster

The Patriots saw a tough loss in the final quarter to the Blue Raiders on home turf last season, 24-21. The rivalry between these two teams is short and fierce; these foes have only met on the field six times before. However, looking back at last season, there were many positives in the tight battle including nearly 100-yard games for both Martize Smith and Josiah Robbins on the ground, gaining 195 yards combined.

The rushing attack can easily be the storyline for the second-straight week. Against Cumberland, the Patriots got back to what they do best: running the ball. Nine rushers abused the Phoenix in week two off the line of scrimmage, collecting 377 yards. The unit was led by none other than Zalon Reynolds, whose career high game of 162 yards on eight touches and pair of scores earned him conference player of the week honors. Smith meanwhile surpassed 1,000 yards in his career in his 59 yards seen in the game.

The Patriots can get back to pushing the ball up the gut against the Blue Raiders, especially given last week's and last season's success. The Blue Raiders are only decent against the run, allowing Pikeville to gain over 100 yards in their season opener. Gavin Willkinson, however, is not the same quarterback by any means that Josiah Robbins was; Wilkinson is a power arm rather than a scrambler. The running game has to adjust to this, allowing the rush attack to balance the Patriots attempts through the air. In addition, having the depth the Patriots do, especially with multiple backs lined up alongside Wilkinson, the Patriots can truly deceive the Blue Raiders with options.

Quiet but Deadly

The depth of the Patriots offense extends to the receiving corps. While the Patriots have traditionally been a running team, the Cumberlands air attack is still a true threat as they move the ball in both small and big increments. Given the hands of Darius Young, Alonzo Russell and De'Ondre Boggs, the Patriots have rotated through who the primary target will be with each pass. This is very beneficial for the Patriots under center.

First, it keeps the Blue Raiders guessing; this can lead to the speed of Cumberlands receivers getting past their man and ultimately a trip to the endzone. In two games, Young has made ten receptions for 165 yards and three scores this season. he quietly had himself a nice game against the Phoenix, snagging three balls for 34 yards and a TD in the win. Though it was not as noteworthy as his week one performance, Young's chemistry with Wilkinson is undeniable. Not if but when the two establish a connection early against Lindsey Wilson, look out.

Boggs this season has been held scoreless but has hauled in a hefty six catches for 91 yards. Russell comes in with a pair of touchdowns scored against the Phoenix, jumping to 86 yards on the season. The redshirt freshman recorded 74 yards and a pair of scores on just four receptions versus Cumberland. If Russell can provide just half of this output against Lindsey Wilson, the Patriots offense could be dangerous.

Secondly, it shows big improvement by both Wilkinson and the Patriots offensive line. Wilkinson has shown that he is able to move through his progressions a lot quicker than he did in the first game of the season. His relationships with his targets will be key as well. The line deserves a lot of credit in Sunday's game as the Patriots moved the ball 501 offensive yards. They did so cleanly as well, noting only one hold against in the final two minutes of action. Wilkinson also was not sacked in the game; the line redeeming themselves as Georgetown got to the quarterback six times.

Wilkinson was efficient as he completed nine of his 16 pass attempts for 124 yards and three touchdowns on Sunday. On his longest pass completion of the game, Wilkinson connected with Russell for a 41-yard touchdown strike. The freshman will be tested on Friday by one of the top defensive units in the country. Remaining calm and composed will be key for Wilkinson in just his third collegiate start. He has well-skilled hands available downfield, and should utilize their speed to balance the offense.

Pick the Pocket

The Patriots defense looks to limit Lindsey Wilson's offense on Friday as they did last season. The Blue Raiders only registered 299 yards of offense, over 100 yards short of the figure the Patriots hit. This shows the Patriots have the ability to limit yards off the line of scrimmage. In addition, the Patriots need to limit them converting short yards into offensive scores.

The longer Blue Raider quarterback Cameron Dukes has in the pocket, the more likely he will burn the Pats defense. When these two teams met a year ago, Lindsey Wilson moved the ball mainly through the air, 217 yards. The Patriots did not have their top defensive backs in the Georgetown loss; they returned for action against the Phoenix and their impact was made known. Cumberland only charted 18 yards passing in the game.

Senior linebacker, Jeremiah McKibben was a standout leader against Cumberland in week two. McKibben controlled the middle of the field for UC as he noted eight total tackles. This is a welcoming sign for the Patriots as they try to fill the void left by last season's defensive leader, Tyler Pendleton. With the help of fellow senior Brad Montgomery on the Defensive line, the Patriots pose a very strong defense to get past on the ground. As long as the Pats can limit the big play ability of Dukes, Cumberlands is in good shape.

Freshman linebacker Adam Chaney was a standout during week two for the Pats. Chaney chipped in six tackles, 1.5 TFL (13 yards), and his first collegiate sack (5 yards) an impressive stat line for just his third collegiate game. If Chaney can support McKibben and Chandler Kaylor in the box, the Blue Raiders run game will be obsolete and the Pats can shift focus to the receivers.

Gameday Information

Visiting fans will not be permitted at the stadium. Fans can tune into the game via the Lindsey Wilson Sports Network for live video. In addition, EZ Country (WEZJ-FM 104.3) and CBS Sports Radio (WAIN-AM 1270, WAIN-FM 101.9) will be broadcasting to their local markets.

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