WILLIAMSBURG, Ky. – The University of the Cumberlands football team hits the road to begin Mid-South Conference play against No. 12 Campbellsville on Saturday. The (RV) Patriots enter at 3-1, while the Tigers are unbeaten at 4-0 and ranked 12th nationally. Kickoff is set for 2:01 p.m. at Finley Stadium. The Pats have won eight of the last nine matchups against the Tigers, falling last year at home.
 
Responding After Warner
UC bounced back from a loss to No. 2 Keiser by grinding out a road win at Warner to close out non-conference play. Through four games, the Patriots rank 23rd nationally in scoring offense at 37.5 points per game and 22nd in total offense at 420.8 yards per game. Head Coach Shan Housekeeper said the focus now turns fully to league play.
"We're going into conference play. That's the real season … that's where we've really got to be able to play our best. What you do is evaluate the things through the first four games that were good, that were bad, and that we can learn and teach and grow from. So, it's good to win, but I still think there was a lot of things there that we can improve on."
 
Mindset vs. Ranked Opponent
Campbellsville enters ranked No. 12 nationally, averaging 41.8 points per game (13th NAIA) and nearly 492 yards per contest (6th). The Tigers bring a balanced attack led by quarterback Jett Engle (11 TDs, 295 pass ypg) and running back Tre' Bass (354 rush yds, 7.7 ypc).
"The big thing for us is just do our job," Housekeeper said. "It's their homecoming, so they're going to be a little bit more excited. They're coming off a bye. So, what we've got to be able to do is go in there with the business approach, understand what's the most important thing, not allow ourselves to get distracted, and stay focused on what we have to do individually to succeed."
 
Execution and Discipline
UC has been efficient in the red zone, ranking 25th nationally with scores on 88% of its trips, including touchdowns on 76%.
"That's a big part of our success. I thought we learned some valuable lessons at the end of the first half last week. We drilled that this week. It's just constant growth and making sure everybody's on the same page."
Penalties remain a concern with the Patriots averaging 92 yards per game in flags. Housekeeper said discipline is a major point of emphasis heading into their MSC opener.
"We've got to execute between the whistles, control the things that each one of us individually can control and not get caught up or sidetracked off the purpose that we're there for. We cannot have self-inflicted wounds. It's been a big point for us all week to make sure we have enough self-control and self-discipline."
 
Battle in the Trenches
The matchup of UC's ground game against Campbellsville's run defense could decide the outcome. The Patriots rank 7th in the NAIA in rushing at 220.5 yards per game, led by Juan Bullard (312 yds, 9.2 ypc) and Jayden Clayton (156 yds, 6.5 ypc). The Tigers, meanwhile, rank 3rd nationally in rushing defense, allowing just 40.8 yards per game.
"That's a big, big part of the game this weekend," Housekeeper said. "We've got to put ourselves in favorable third downs. Conversion downs are much easier when they're shorter. We've got to get our run game moving, and then in the fourth quarter that really starts to sink in."
 
Opening the Air Attack
Quarterback Drew Gregg has thrown 11 touchdown passes, tying for the MSC lead, while UC receivers Cade Lamb and Michael Petty each average over 45 yards per game. Campbellsville has surrendered 265 passing yards per game, ranking 41st nationally in pass defense.
"When you establish the run, it leaves more throwing windows and one-on-one matchups," Housekeeper said. "The more we can establish the run game, the better off the opportunity to throw the ball around too. They're kind of a chaotic defense. They want to create chaos and do a good job of creating takeaways. We've got to minimize that and play fundamentally sound."
 
Takeaways and Field Position
UC has forced six interceptions through four games while Campbellsville has produced 12 turnovers, including seven fumble recoveries, most in the NAIA.
"The turnover battle is going to be one of the key factors in the outcome of this game," Housekeeper said. "We've got to do a good job of protecting the ball and making good decisions, and when we get our chance on defense, we've got to create some explosive plays through takeaways."
 
Hunter Zirkle has been dominant for UC's defense this season leading the team in tackles (24), TFL (5.5), and QB hurries (7), while also tying the team lead with 1.5 sacks. The sophomore has also forced a fumble and blocked two kicks. D'Lante Overstreet has added 3.0 TFL and 1.5 sacks while Coby Walker has 2.0 TFL as well. Jeremy Hamilton has been a ball hawk for the Pats defense through four games this season with a pair of interceptions and 19 tackles, the second most for UC.
 
Special teams could also play a major role. The Patriots rank 5th in the nation in kick return average (27.5), 12th in punting (40.9), and 20th in punt returns (12.9), while Campbellsville is 7th in punting (41.5) and has connected on 80% of its field goals.
"Field position is going to be huge. They're going to go for it on fourth down. They'll be aggressive there. We've got to win this special teams in order to help our side of the ball. If we can do that, it puts us in a much more favorable position."
 
Kickoff
Cumberlands and Campbellsville will square off at 2:01 p.m. Saturday at Finley Stadium in Campbellsville, KY. Fans can follow live video here and live stats here.
 
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