WILLIAMSBURG, Ky – The University of the Cumberlands football team hits the road this weekend for another Mid-South Conference matchup, traveling to Lebanon, TN to face Cumberland University. The Patriots enter at 4-4 overall and 1-3 in conference play after a dominant 34-10 win over No. 25 Bethel, while the Phoenix are 5-3 and 1-2 in the MSC and receiving votes in the NAIA Top-25 Poll following a 35-33 victory over Campbellsville. Kickoff is set for 2:30 p.m. ET at Nokes-Lasater Field.
 
Cumberlands improved to 4-4 after one of its most complete performances of the season, outgaining Bethel 425-216 while forcing one turnover, a second-quarter interception by Jalen Yearby.
"Consistent," said Head Coach Shan Housekeeper when asked about his team's energy following the win. "I feel like we've been able to have the same level of preparation and practice standards and energy through the hard times too. That's what you want, not to get too high or too low, just to keep pressing forward. It's the process of marginal gains for us, and slowly learning how to coach each player better and how they fit into the puzzle. I think they're starting to grasp that at a deeper level."
 
Start Fast
UC has been at its best when striking early, and last week's fast start against Bethel was a key factor in the win. The Patriots scored on their opening drive and added another touchdown in the first quarter, setting the tone for a dominant night.
 
"You want to be able to do is replicate the things that create success," Housekeeper said. "Our guys have proven they're gritty and tough and willing to respond, but now we've shown that we can start and go. If we can get that expectation and standard as the norm, it will yield good results for us, and that's what we're trying to do."
 
The Patriots are averaging 424 yards per game this season, while Cumberland has averaged 345 and rushed for 1,433 yards as a team. Both offenses have been effective this season, and look to get into a rhythm early on Saturday.
 
Execution and Focus
UC put together one of its most balanced offensive performances of the season, rushing for over 200 yards and passing for over 200 against Bethel. Quarterback Drew Gregg has thrown for 1,848 yards and 22 touchdowns on the season, while running backs Juan Bullard (422 yds, 7.7 avg, 5 TDs) and Jayden Clayton (435 yds, 6.3 avg, 4 TDs) have led the ground attack.
 
"Balance," Housekeeper said. "When you're capable of being able to run the football well and throw the football well, that's really challenging on a defense. So being able to do both opens up opportunities, and if you can back that up with good defense, it allows you to call the game the way you want."
 
On defense, UC allowed only 10 points to Bethel, holding the Wildcats to 216 total yards and one takeaway. The Patriots lead the Mid-South in sacks with 22, led by Hunter Zirkle's 8.5, which ranks second in the NAIA, and have nine interceptions on the year.
 
"Focus," Housekeeper said. "It was about staying locked in and carrying that focus rep to rep and series to series on both sides of the ball. I think when we have the ability to do that, the results will follow."
 
Conversion Downs
Cumberlands was dominant on third and fourth down against Bethel, converting 7-of-13 on offense and holding the Wildcats to just 3-of-12. They look to replicate that against a Phoenix squad that coverts just over 41% on third down and over 56% on fourth.
 
"We look at that as a conversion down situation," Housekeeper said. "It always starts on first and second down and how well you play early in the sticks determines how you'll defend third down or convert on offense. Our guys understand that and execute well, and that has a big influence on the success we'll have."
 
UC has converted on 40% of their third down plays on the year while going 8-21 (38.1%) on fourth. On the season, UC's defense has held opponents to just 28% success rate on third down, but have given up 7-12 on fourth down, respectively.
 
Defensive Matchup
Cumberland enters the game 5-3 and 1-2 in the conference, led by running back Jacob Cornejo, who has 524 rushing yards and six touchdowns. The Phoenix have averaged 179 rushing yards per game but thrown 10 interceptions on the year.
 
Housekeeper said UC's defense will need to stay disciplined and adjust as the game unfolds.
 
"Focus on execution, focusing on their job, remaining locked in the entire series, but then between series remaining focused and adjusting with the game," he said. "We've got to knock down whatever they want to try to establish and try to force them into something different."
 
He also noted the impact of several younger defensive backs who have stepped into larger roles in recent weeks. Freshman, Thomas Lollar and Khalil Mollay saw action in the secondary while Lollar, Justin Mitchell, and Ethan Jackson recorded at least one pass breakup against Bethel.
 
"It's about getting some younger guys on the field and guys that can run," Housekeeper said. "That was a big thing for us last week, to make sure we had speed on the field. We've got to do everything we can to put our program in a position to succeed, and that means playing guys who can execute, who are bought in, and understand what they need to do."
 
Kickoff
Cumberlands and Cumberland University are set to meet at 2:30 p.m. ET / 1:30 p.m. CT Saturday in Lebanon, TN. Fans can follow live stats here.
 
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