Williamsburg, KY – The UC football team dominated their non-conference schedule going 3-0 and outscoring their opponents 177-33 over those three games.  Now the Patriots will set their sights on the Mid-South Conference Bluegrass Division beginning with hosting Bethel Saturday's night at 7 p.m. at James H. Taylor, II Stadium.  The Patriots have received votes in each of the last three NAIA Top-25 Coaches Poll, making it the fourth consecutive year that UC has been mentioned in the poll.  It will be the 19^th meeting between these two schools, with the Patriots holding a 15-5 lead in the overall standings and 4-3 edge in MSC conference games.

Bethel is 3-1 on the season after knocking-off sixth-ranked Reinhardt 34-33 last Saturday in their home opener. That win propelled the Wildcats back into the receiving votes category of the latest NAIA Top-25 Coaches Poll.  Bethel is 3-0 against NAIA opponents having bested St. Andrews 42-22 and Union 50-15 in their other wins.  The Wildcats are ranked sixth in the country in yards per game averaging 504.8 and seventh in the NAIA averaging 319.8 passing yards per game

Fierce Competition in the MSC Bluegrass Division

Since rejoining the Bluegrass Division in 2019 the Patriots have been 1-1 in conference openers defeating Pikeville 24-13, before dropping last year's opener to Georgetown 27-20. UC is looking to extend its win streak to seven straight dating back to the end of last season and earn its second win over a team is receiving votes along that streak. These two teams both come into the week with high-powered offenses and looking to get their conference season started in winning fashion.   

"We're excited to get things going as we know the Bluegrass Division is one of the toughest in the country," said Head Coach Matt Rhymer.  "Our non-conference schedule was good preparation for the conference slate as we were able to get a lot of players experience and reps."  

Patriots High-Powered Offense

Cumberlands enters conference play leading the NAIA averaging 59.0 points per game through their first three games of the season.  UC is ranked seventh in yards per game (493.0), eighth in rushing yards per game (247.0), fourth in rushing yards per carry at 6.6 and fifth in the NAIA in passing touchdowns (14).  The Patriots are going to have to continuing to have a balanced offense if they are going to remaining a potent threat in the Mid-South Conference.

Leading the way for Cumberlands is quarterback Ben Nixon, who has tallied 11 touchdowns overall and has thrown for at least three scores in each game.  The sophomore has continued to come into his own as he has gone 20-24 for 343 yards, an 83.3% completion rate, and eight touchdowns over the last two games.  Against Southeastern Nixon connected with receiver Brandon Stuckey three times for 143 yards, including two 50+ yards passes, and three scores to help break that game open.  Overall, Cumberlands has four receivers with multiple touchdowns and if they continue to share the wealth it'll create miss-matches for opposing defenses.

"This group of receivers are unselfish and play hard every play," said Rhymer.  "They have continued to practice hard everyday and have taking pride in all facets of there assignments."

Creating Defensive Pressure

While Cumberlands offense has been surging, the Patriots defense has also been formidable ranking sixth in the NAIA limiting opponents to 11.0 points per game, while there 245.0 yards per game ranks eighth. Going up against a NAIA top-ten offense it's going to be critical for the Patriots to create pressure.  This season, Cumberlands has recorded seven interceptions, at least two in each of their games so far, to go along with 12 sacks.  In both of UC's home games this season, Cumberlands defense has found the end zone, once from a pick six and one from a fumble recovery.  If UC is able to continue this trend it could make for a long day for the Wildcats.  The Patriots will continue to rely on the pressure by Kumi Sarpong Jr., Kendall Adams-Young, and Miles Simon along with the rest of the defensive line, who is averaging 5.5 sacks per game over the past two games.

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.  Linebackers Adam Caudle and Tae Hammond leads Cumberlands with 14 tackles apiece, while Walker Dunn has made 12 tackles on the season.  Keshawn Catlett is coming off his first multi-interception game to be one of just two Patriots defenders with multiple interceptions this season.  The secondary will face one of its biggest test of the young season and a strong performance will help UC improve to 4-0.

"This group has done a tremendous job of staying discipline and making turnovers come their way," said Rhymer. "They have continued to create turnovers and given us an advantage with field position or the score."

Big Time Plays From Special Teams & Defense

As mentioned last week, the Patriots continue to see strong play from all three facets of special teams.  Trip Holloway has been a perfect 17-17 on PATs over the past two games and is 24-25 on the season.  The duo have Holloway and Anthony Velasquez have averaged 57.1 yards on kickoffs, which have helped pinned opponents deep and make the have to go a long way to score. Punter Harlin Brown is averaging 41.75 yards per punt, pinning opponents inside their 20 yard line three times.  If the Patriots are able to maximize these special team plays and pin the Wildcats deep, it'll make for a long night for Bethel.

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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