Williamsburg, KY – After starting the season 2-0 for the fourth time in the past five seasons, UC now turns its attention to conference action as they host third-ranked Lindsey Wilson Saturday at 6 p.m. at James H. Taylor, II Stadium. This will mark the third straight year that the Patriots will open conference play at home.

"Our goal is to continue to improve and making progress every week," said Head Coach Shan Housekeeper.  "Every game is important and now that we're in conference play we know we'll have to play efficient week in and week out."

Both teams enter Saturday's game with 2-0 records with wins over St. Andrews and Union to start the season.  Both programs are feature first year head coaches as Shan Housekeeper controlling the Patriots sideline, while Phil Kleckler has taken over the Blue Raiders program. Lindsey Wilson holds the all-time series record 6-2 as this will be there ninth meeting between the two schools.

"Lindsey Wilson is extremely talented and are a well-coached program.  We'll need to execute well in all phases of the game to be successful," said Coach Housekeeper.

Tickets for the game can be purchased at the gate for $8 for an adult, $5 for students, and all UC students, faculty, and staff get in for free.

A Defensive Battle:

Saturday's match up feature two defenses that have combined to limit their opponents to 21 points through two games.  UC has held the opposition to 12 points over the first two games, which marks the first time since 1995 that the Patriots have done that.  The Patriots are tied for fifth in the NAIA in points allowed per game this season and are ninth in fumble recoveries.  On the other side, Lindsey Wilson comes into the game limiting the opposition to 119 yards per game and 4.5 points per game and this was on the heels on the Blue Raiders leading the NAIA as opponents averaged 11.2 points per game during the 2021 season. 

Cumberlands has five players that have recorded at least ten tackles so far this season.  The Patriots linebacker core is leading the way with Walker Dunn, Adam Caudle, and Noah Steen combined for 44 tackles, which accounts for 30% of all of the Patriots tackles this season.  Damon Byrnes-Mitchell and Nate Hancock have been active in the secondary with ten tackles apiece.  UC has forced six turnovers in the first two games to help set Cumberlands offense in favorable field position.

Controlling the Field Position Battle:

Going up against one of the top teams in the NAIA one of the keys to a Patriot victory will be to win the field position battle.  Cumberlands defense has created six turnovers so far this season, while the UC special teams have also been operating at a high level this season.  Punter Harlin Brown is fourth in the NAIA averaging 44.75 yards per punt and is coming off of being named the Mid-South Conference Special Teams Player of the Week.  The sophomore has pinned the opposition inside their 20 four times over the first two games.  Trip Holloway is average 56.2 yards per kickoff and Job Matossian has converted a pair of field goals and has made eight extra points so far.  If the special teams can continue to find success and force the Blue Raiders to have to put together long drive it could help keep it a low scoring contest.

"Our special teams have done a great job in all facets and they are making the most of their opportunities," said Coach Housekeeper.

Continue a Balanced Offensive Attack:

Over the first two games the Patriots are averaging 339 yards per game, with 186.5 on the ground and 152.5 through the air.  That balanced attack can keep the defense on their heels and the Patriots will need to continue to find the right mixture against one of the top defenses in the NAIA.  Ben Nixon has completed 58% of his passes so far this season and is coming off a three-touchdown performance, which was the fourth of his career in the win over St. Andrews. 

Cumberlands rushing attack features five players with at least ten carries each.  Jamar Nuby is leading the way with 116 yards, while Phillip Garner has rushed for 74 yards over the first two games.  AP Parham has been a duel threat for UC and leads the team with 113 receiving yards, while Romeo McKnight came on strong against the Knights last week with 70 yards and a score.

Live video of the game will be available here, while live stats of the game are available here.

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