WILLIAMSBURG, Ky – The University of the Cumberlands football team is back home this weekend for Homecoming, hosting the 25th-ranked Bethel Wildcats at James H. Taylor II Stadium. The Patriots enter at 3-4 overall and look to snap a three-game skid, while Bethel rides a three-game winning streak and sits at 3-2 on the season. Kickoff is set for 6 p.m. ET in Williamsburg.
 
Cumberlands and Bethel are tied 6-6 in the overall series since 2000, but the Wildcats have won three of the last four meetings. UC's last win against Bu was back in 2021 at home where the Pats dominated in a 47-15 win.
 
After dropping a heartbreaking loss in overtime to Faulkner last week, Coach Shan Housekeeper said he continues to be proud of his team's resiliency and belief despite recent setbacks.
 
"The big thing is the resiliency of our kids, and they never waver, which shows their character," said Head Coach Shan Housekeeper. "To have a group of guys like that who just keep battling, keep fighting, and keep going—it means a lot. There's a lot of good things you can still pull out of adversity, and our guys have done that."
 
He added that the effort and energy have continued in practice. "The great thing about our guys is they show that resiliency on game day, but they also show it through the week," Housekeeper said. "They've had nice energy. They understand the challenges don't stop—you can't slow down. The importance is in incremental improvement and getting better daily."
 
Set the Tempo
One of the biggest focuses for UC this week has been starting faster. The Patriots have shown an ability to rally late in games but have often had to fight from behind against strong competition.
 
"We've got to be able to start faster and not wait to counter," Housekeeper said. "We've got to jump out and get up to game speed from the very first snap. We can't allow ourselves to settle into the games—we need to set the tempo of the game. If we can do that, I think we've proven that we have the capabilities to play at a high level."
 
Offensive Outlook
Cumberlands enters the week averaging 425 yards per game with a balanced attack that ranks in the top 25 nationally in total offense. Quarterback Drew Gregg leads the Mid-South Conference with 20 passing touchdowns and over 1,600 yards through the air, while wide receivers Michael Petty (462 yards, 6 TDs) and DK Edwards (332 yards, 3 TDs) continue to shine. Running backs Juan Bullard and Jayden Clayton have combined for more than 680 rushing yards on the season as well.
 
"I'm really proud of our offensive staff and players," Housekeeper said. "They're doing a fantastic job, and I think we've got some really good leadership there. I think our guys are understanding how to make plays within the scheme. Hopefully Juan will be a little healthier this week and able to get a few more touches. Petty continues to do great things, and Drew's the guy that makes it all go."
 
Housekeeper said early execution will be key in establishing rhythm against a disciplined Bethel defense that allows just 17 points and 78 rushing yards per game.
 
"Execution is the biggest thing," he said. "If we execute at a high level early in the game, the results will show that. It doesn't matter what you say in the locker room or on the bench if you can't follow through—it all comes down to execution. We've got good enough players to do it."
 
Defensive Keys
Cumberlands will face a Bethel offense averaging 26.3 points and 346 yards per game, led by quarterback Destin Chance, who has thrown for 995 yards and eight touchdowns. Wideouts Jayden Pressey, Ray Harvey, and Micah Jones have combined for seven scores this season.
 
Housekeeper said the defensive focus this week has been on fundamentals, specifically tackling and limiting big plays.
 
"If we can't tackle at the line of scrimmage, the number one objective is just get the ball on the ground as soon as possible," he said. "Don't allow a missed tackle up front to turn into an explosive play. If a guy misses, somebody has to have his back and get it on the ground. We can do that and make them huddle up again; we'll just keep making them work."
 
Finishing Strong
With just three games remaining on the schedule, Housekeeper said his focus for the team is growth, consistency, and finishing the season with energy.
 
"Continue growth—that's really the focus," he said. "We've got a lot of willing players, so we just want to keep seeing them grow, understand, develop, and take lessons along the way. We don't want to stumble to the end; we want to surge to the end. Between mindset and growth, those are our target areas."
 
Kickoff
Cumberlands and No. 25 Bethel are set to kick off at 6 p.m. ET on Saturday inside James H. Taylor, II Stadium. Fans can follow live video here and stats here.
 
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