Williamsburg, KY – After starting the season 2-0 and coming off of a bye week, the Patriots football team has set their sights on Saturday's night matchup with Southeastern as kickoff is set for 7 p.m. at James H. Taylor, II Stadium.  The Patriots have received votes in each of the last two NAIA Top-25 Coaches Poll, making it the fourth consecutive year that UC has been mentioned in the poll.  It will be the second meeting between these two schools and the first since the 2018 season opener, which the Patriots won 27-26 down in Lakeland, FL. 

Southeastern is coming off of a 20-14 win over Thomas More in their home opener last Saturday. The Fire have started the season 2-1 with a forfeit win over the University of Fort Lauderdale, before falling to Faulkner in their road opener 31-14.  Southeastern is looking to climb back into the NAIA top 25 and a win Saturday could boost those chances.

Bring on the Sun Conference

Just like last game when the Patriots defeated Florida Memorial 56-12, Cumberlands has enjoyed playing the Sun division of the MSC.  The win two weeks ago extended their unblemished 8-0 record against the Mid-South Conference Sun Division.  This season will mark the third time in the past four years that a Sun division school has visited the Bluegrass State, winning those three games by an average score of 19 points.  The Patriots will look to keep those streak alive and improve to 3-0 on the season and extend its win streak to six straight.
"It will be a tough game and good match-up as both teams are hungry to continue success early in the season," said Head Coach Matt Rhymer.  "It was a nail-bitter last time we played them and I think this week could have a chance to be much of the same."  

Continue Getting Strong Defensive Efforts

While Cumberlands has averaged 57.0 ppg offensively, one of the biggest keys in this game is UC's defense, which has limited opponents to just 9.5 ppg.  Cumberlands currently ranks fifth in the NAIA in Cumberlands will rely on another strong defensive effort in order to remain undefeated. The Patriots defensive is ranked in the top-ten of the NAIA in rushing yards per game (76.0) and yards per game (244.5), while UC has forced five turnovers and tallied eight sacks through two games.  Southeastern has averaged 17.0 ppg over their first two games and have totaled 355 rushing yards.  The Patriots front seven will have their hands full with Lorine Parker, who is averaging 124.5 yards per game.  UC will continue to rely on the pressure by Kumi Sarpong Jr., Kendall Adams-Young, and Miles Simon, who accounted for five sacks against Florida Memorial.

"We have had good depth and been able to play a lot of players, which have been able to keep them fresh throughout the game," said Rhymer. "We've done a good job pressuring the quarterback, stopping the run, and limiting big plays, which we need to continue to do moving forward."

Continue to Find a Balance on Offense

Just like as the Patriots defensive is ranked in the top ten of the NAIA, the Patriots offensive is ranked in the top five in a pair of categories.  UC high-powered offense is averaging 57.0 points per game, which ranks second in the country, while their 307 rushing yards per game is third in the NAIA.  A key part of the Patriots offense is their running game, which is averaging a NAIA-best 7.8 yards per rush. 
The Patriots have three rushers, Martize Smith, Devin Jones, and Ben Nixon that have accounted for over 100-yards on the ground each. Cumberlands depth and versatility doesn't stop there as they will continue to work Zalon Reynolds, Jamar Nuby, and Phillip Garner into the rotation as the season moves along.  Nuby has found the end zone three times in UC's first two games and will look to extend that streak against the Fire, who has given up over 94.5 yards per game so far this season.

Nixon Continues to Lead the Offensive

Beyond the running game, one of the brightest spots in Miami Gardens was quarterback Ben Nixon, who had a career day going 12-14 for a career-high 163 yards and four touchdowns.  Nixon had thrown seven touchdowns so far this season, making him the first UC quarterback to throw three scores in each of the first two games of a season. A major reason for Nixon's success is the depth of the Patriots wide receiving corps that has been on full display in the Patriots two games and would expect to see much of the same this week.  The Patriots rotation of Alonzo Russell and Brandon Stuckey are over 100-yards receiving so far, while Ethan Cox, AP Parham, and Chase Overstreet have each connected on scores.  The versatility will need to continue against Southeastern to keep the defense honest and help the Patriots take an early lead.

"Ben is getting better every week and gaining more confidence," said Rhymer. "He's taking control of the guys on the field and being more of vocal leader and he is creating a leadership presence on the field."

Big Time Plays From Special Teams & Defense

Cumberlands special teams followed up a strong season opener with another terrific performance by the Patriots special teams.  Trip Holloway is coming off being named the Mid-South Conference Special Teams Player of the Week after he converted a perfect 8-8 on PATs and is 15-16 on the season.  The duo have Holloway and Anthony Velasquez have averaged 56.5 yards on kickoffs, which have helped pinned opponents deep and make the have to go a long way to score.

Just like the last time these two teams meet, this game could turn on which teams makes the splash play at the right time.  In the last meeting it was an Adam Johnson pick-six in the fourth quarter that proved to be the difference.  This year the Patriots have earned special teams and defensive touchdown, while Damon Byrnes-Mitchell had a second pick-six, however, it was call back for a penalty.  The Patriots will continue to look forward their opportunity and strike at the right time.

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, EZ Country (WEZJ-FM 104.3) will be broadcasting to their local markets, while live stats of the game will be available here.
 
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