WILLIAMSBURG, Ky. – The University of the Cumberlands football team continues Mid-South Conference play this weekend with another ranked matchup, traveling to Columbia, KY to face No. 6 Lindsey Wilson. The Patriots and Blue Raiders renew their rivalry after a tight battle last fall, when Cumberlands earned an 18–14 win in Williamsburg. UC will look to make it two straight in the series and secure its first ever win in Columbia. Kickoff is set for 1:30 p.m. CT / 2:30 PM ET at Parnell Family Stadium.
 
Cumberlands ranks among the top 25 nationally in both scoring and total offense, averaging 36.8 points and 439.8 yards per game, while Lindsey Wilson ranks 14th in scoring (41.2 ppg) and 16th in total offense (442.4 ypg).
 
Starting Fast
UC has trailed early in both losses to ranked opponents and will look to correct that against a Blue Raider team that has scored first in all five of its games. Coach Housekeeper made this a point of emphasis throughout the week saying, "We've got to continue to just be consistent in our preparation. We can't spot good teams points like we have in our other ranked matchups (Keiser and Campbellsville), you cannot make it harder on yourself."
 
Even after giving up points early, the Patriots have proven resilient, cutting double-digit deficits in both losses. "We've got great kids, great team, very resilient, and they never questioned themselves or anybody through the course of the game," Housekeeper said. "That shows the character of the guys that we have. They know that we're right there so we've got to continue to just be consistent in our preparation and value execution and doing our jobs."
 
Winning Explosive Plays
Lindsey Wilson features one of the nation's most balanced attacks, averaging 257.4 passing yards (23rd NAIA) and 185.0 rushing yards (22nd) per game. The Blue Raiders have scored 25 offensive touchdowns and convert on 50% of their third downs, fifth-best in the nation.
 
"The first thing is we've got to execute and perform at a high level and that's controlled by us," Housekeeper said. "Defensively, we've got to control explosives. They've got some explosive players, their running back and two receivers are dynamic and fast. We've got to contain those explosives. If we can do that, I think it's going to play favorable to us."
 
 
UC's defense ranks among the NAIA's top 20 in interceptions (8) and sacks (14). Hunter Zirkle leads the nation in forced fumbles after recording three last week at Campbellsville. UC's defense looks to capitalize on these explosive plays, as they forced five total fumbles a week ago in Campbellsville, but only recovered one.
 
"Hunter is super explosive," Housekeeper said. "His best day as a Patriot was Saturday, and I think it comes back to his mindset and discipline. When he partners that with the scheme, good things are going to happen. He worked really hard, really cares, and I think he'll continue to just get better and better."
 
Gregg's Command of the Offense
Quarterback Drew Gregg is coming off a historic game where he broke the program record for passing yards, completions, and attempts in a game. He is tied for seventh in the NAIA with 15 passing touchdowns and leads an offense ranked 11th in rushing (194.6 ypg) and 18th in total yards (439.8 ypg).
 
"He's done exactly what I was hoping and expected him to do," Housekeeper said. "He's a great leader, highly intelligent, studies hard, prepares hard, and works super hard. When you have a high-character kid with high expectations and great preparation, it equals good results. He's definitely making us better as a program."
 
Even after UC threw for a season-high 425 yards at Campbellsville. they remain committed to a balanced approach.
 
"We'll throw the ball," Housekeeper said. "But we've got to continue to try and establish the run, then complement it with the ability to throw the ball down the field. Drew's ability to throw it is a strength, but we don't want to have to overdo that."
 
Keys on Both Sides of the Ball
The Patriots rank eighth nationally in red-zone touchdown rate (80%) and will look to maintain that efficiency against a Lindsey Wilson defense allowing just 15.4 points per game.
 
"The way to succeed on third down comes on first and second," Housekeeper said. "The better you are early in drives, the better you are on each side of the ball. We want to get them in long sticks and have short sticks. Execution early in drives is going to be a major factor."
 
Penalties have been costly for UC, which ranks near the bottom nationally in penalty yards. "We've got to manage our penalties and not get ourselves behind the chains," Housekeeper said. "Last week we had some second-and-twos that turned into first-and-20s. That is when it's tough, you're playing from behind, it kills the momentum."
 
Kickoff
UC and #6 LWU will kickoff at 1:30 PM CT with live stats available here, and live video here.
 
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