Williamsburg, KY – The Patriots look ahead to the start of the Mid-South Conference opener where they will take on the fifth-ranked Bethel Wildcats in McKenzie, TN. UC will try and get their first win over an NAIA top-ten opponent since they defeated #7 Keiser back in 2019. The Pats lead the all-time series 16-7 over BU and earned their last win over the Wildcats in 2021 where they took a 47-15 victory at home.

"I am excited to get into conference play because that is really where we are going to find out who we are and what we are made of," said Head Coach Shan Housekeeper.

Focusing on What We Can Control

Coach Housekeeper and the Pats have gone through a solid week of practice in preparation for Saturday and wants his squad to improve and perfect the things that they can control. Being disciplined is a major topic for Cumberlands heading into tomorrow's matchup, as they have given over 290 penalty yards over their first four games.

"We have worked on connecting some things that we haven't quite connected over the start of our season … If we can do that and eliminate self-inflicted miscues then that will really help us out," said Housekeeper.

Battle of the Run

Both offenses have found success running the football over the start of their seasons. Cumberlands rank ninth in the NAIA in rushing yards per game with 222.8 while Bethel runs for 257.3 yards per game, ranking fifth in the nation.

"Coach Orbin, our Run Game Coordinator, does a great job alongside Coach Morris of calling the right plays in specific situations," said Coach Housekeeper. "They set our guys up to be successful."

JB Carlisle has been very productive in the backfield for the Pats, rushing for 117.5 yards per game, ranking eighth in the country individually. Trent Davis has also been electric for UC, rushing for over 80 yards while adding 23.25 receiving yards as well.

"JB and Trent fit well with what we do offensively. When you have a good scheme with a back that fits with the scheme, then add another back that can change the tempo, it's a really exciting combination."

The Pats will face one of the top defenses in the NAIA so far this year. BU has only allowed 23 points total, 5,8 ppg to their opponents while giving up just 69 rushing yard per game. UC allows just 83.3 rushing yards to their opponents, making the battle up front with the line of scrimmage on both sides of the ball vitally important on Saturday.

Win The Field Position Game

So far this season, UC has shown the ability to win the field position battle through kickoffs and punt-team coverage. All-American kicker/punter Job Matossian has averaged 44 yards per punt, the fifth highest average in the NAIA, pinning opponents inside their own 20-yardline nine times. The coverage unit have continued to do their job this year as well. UC named Michael Banks-Mason their respective Special Teams Player of the Week for coming up big multiple times as a part of the coverage team.

Coach Housekeeper talked about this phase of the game saying, "Field position will play a major part in this upcoming matchup … They (Bethel) have dominated their opponents in their field position, and we have been favorable in field position throughout our games as well."

Kickoff is slated for 2 PM ET/1PM CT in McKenzie, TN on Saturday. Livestats for the contest can be found here.

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