WILLIAMSBURG, Ky. – The University of the Cumberlands football team returns to the Burg on Saturday for one of the biggest non-conference matchups of the season, hosting the second-ranked Keiser Seahawks at 1:30 p.m. UC enters at 2-0 after dominant wins over Union and Bluefield, while Keiser opened its season with a 38-31 victory over Indiana Wesleyan and a forfeit win last weekend against Bethel (TN).
UC are 1-0 all-time against KU, defeating the Seahawks in the opening round of the NAIA FCS Playoffs 28-24 back in 2019. The Patriots have never lost to a team from Florida in the history of the program and look to keep that record unblemished through this week as well. Keiser is coming off back-to-back trips to the NAIA National Championship game, where they won the red banner back in 2023.
Building Connections
Through two games, the Patriots are averaging 55.5 points and more than 525 yards of offense per contest. Head Coach
Shan Housekeeper said the team's early success stems from their bond and looks to continue to build off of this as momentum.
"I think the biggest thing is they're just enjoying being together and keep creating those connections and relationships… I feel like our kids are doing a great job of caring about each other and staying passionate for our goals. So that makes a lot of fun to coach, and it makes a lot of fun to play."
Executing the Details
Cumberlands has scored 15 touchdowns in two games and is averaging 7.2 yards per rush, fifth-best in the NAIA. Execution, Housekeeper emphasized, will be the key. "Execution and what it looks like in this game is we've really got to understand the small details that make a big difference. When you're playing a good opponent, executing the details where the separation happens."
Gregg has spread the ball to
Cade Lamb (129 yds, 2 TD),
Juan Bullard Jr. (108 yds, TD), and
Michael Petty (107 yds, 2 TD) while the rushing attack has averaged 268 yards per game, with four different backs contributing including Bullard Jr.,
JB Carlisle,
Jayden Clayton, and
Cale Cartwright. Housekeeper praised his quarterback's confidence and leadership saying, "He's a great leader… he's a major influencer and influences leadership for our team and continues to be the guy that sets the tone… he does things right and he works hard, and he cares and he's competitive."
Explosive Plays
Explosive plays continue to be a point of emphasis for the Patriots. This season UC has over six plays that have gone for 40+ yards offensively and have created huge takeaways that have swung the momentum of the game. "Explosive plays are going to have a major impact on the outcome of this game. Who's going to be able to be in the best position and capitalize is going to probably have a pretty big determining factor of who is successful in this game."
Cumberlands are not only creating big plays on offense but limiting them on defense as they have given up just three plays over 30 yards from scrimmage all season. UC's defense has limited opponents to just 226 yards per game and ranks eighth nationally with five interceptions. The Patriots also hold opponents to just 2.7 yards per rush and have recorded five sacks.
Chris Gooden recorded the first interception of his career against Bluefield, returning it 41 yards to the house for a Patriots TD, adding yet another explosive play to UC's tally. Edge rusher,
Hunter Zirkle, continues to be a major factor in opposing backfields, with a team-high 3.5 TFL, one sack, a forced fumble and a blocked kick.
Embracing the Opportunity
Housekeeper said the matchup is a chance for his team to test itself against the nation's best.
"For us, it's enjoyable to compete against good competition… it's exciting to play good competition, and I welcome it and I enjoy it, and our kids do as well." However, Coach Housekeeper reassured his team that the intensity of practice and level of preparation for this game should be the same for every week and any opponent that they will take on any given Saturday.
Kickoff is set for 1:30 PM ET at James H. Taylor, II Stadium this Saturday the 20th of September. Live stats will be available here with live video here. For a look at Cumberlands' gameday flip card click here, and KU's game program will be available here.
For the latest and most up-to-date information on University of the Cumberlands Athletics please visit www.cumberlandspatriots.com. Follow us on X - @UC_Patriots and @UCPatsGameday, Instagram- @UCPatriots, TikTok- @ucpatriots, YouTube- Cumberlands Patriots, and Facebook by searching University of the Cumberlands Athletics.
