LAKELAND, Fl. – The University of the Cumberlands football team heads south this weekend as they visit the Warner Royals on Saturday in Lakeland, FL. The Patriots enter at 2-1 and rank among the NAIA's top-15 in both scoring offense and total defense, while the Royals sit at 0-2 after losses to Stetson and Georgetown. Kickoff is scheduled for 3 p.m. at Lakeland Christian High School. UC have only matched up with the Royals once in program history, earning a 23-7 win in Williamsburg, KY back in 2017.
 
Responding
UC fell 42-12 at home to No. 2 Keiser last week but still ranks 13th in the NAIA in scoring offense (41.0 ppg) and 16th in total defense (289.0 ypg) through three contests. The Patriots have outscored opponents 123-65 and own a +5 turnover margin thanks to a defense that has already forced six interceptions.
Head Coach Shan Housekeeper said he's confident in the team's ability to rebound.
"We know what it takes and we know what we've got, and we know we've got guys that can play at a higher level… if we can execute, then we think we've got a pretty good football team."
"I think our kids are doing a good job of just really trying to play within what they can do and be able to utilize their skill sets… as you get deeper in the season, you really start to be able to hone in on kids' strengths."
 
Balanced Attack
Cumberlands has shown balance on offense, averaging 228.7 passing yards and 204.3 rushing yards per game. Quarterback Drew Gregg has thrown for 649 yards and eight touchdowns while only throwing two interceptions, spreading the ball to Michael Petty (173 yds, 2 TD), Cade Lamb (154 yds, 2 TD), and Juan Bullard (115 yds, 2 TD).
On the ground, UC ranks 11th nationally with 204.3 rushing yards per game, led by Bullard (194 yds, 8.8 avg), Cale Cartwright (120 yds, 8.0 avg), and Marsh (94 yds, 11.8 avg). That matches up well against a Warner defense that has surrendered 185 rushing yards per game and seven rushing touchdowns.
Housekeeper noted that the offensive line — made up of mostly freshmen and sophomores — has exceeded expectations early.
"I think they played extremely well… they're just going to continue to get better and better upfront."
 
Execution and Discipline
Red-zone efficiency has been a strong point. The Patriots are 12-of-13 in the red zone this year (92%), with 10 touchdowns, ranking 16th nationally.
"The urgency to score touchdowns is pretty important… finishing drives is a big part of that."
 
Defensive Playmakers
The Patriots defense has limited opponents to just 3.6 yards per carry and 113 rushing yards per game. The secondary has been opportunistic, tied for 8th in the NAIA with six interceptions. Jeremy Hamilton has two picks, while Chris Gooden returned one for a touchdown. Edge Rusher Hunter Zirkle leads the team in tackles with 17 tackles and 3.5 TFL while blocking two kicks as well. Defensive linemen Matt Hammock and D'Lante Overstreet have added a pair of sacks and 3.5 TFL upfront for the Pats as well.
Warner's offense has struggled to find consistency, averaging just 13.5 points per game and still seeking its first passing touchdown of the season. The Royals have leaned on quarterback Michael Ryan (336 passing yds, 1 rushing TD) and running back Jamarian Robinson (38 rush yds, 1 TD).
Housekeeper said UC's defense will need to control the trenches and account for Warner's mobile quarterback play. "They're very much an inside, tight zone team and our defensive structure is kind of built for that… we've got to do a good job of really playing tight run fits and then stop the quarterback run."
 
Special Teams Edge
Special teams have been a consistent advantage for UC. The Patriots rank 16th in punt average (40.3), 14th in punt return average (15.4), and 17th in kick return average (26.1). Ronye Watson (35.5 KR avg) and Jahmal Hutsell (47.5 KR avg) have provided big-play ability, while Job Matossian has connected on 2-of-3 field goals and averaged over 41 yards per punt.
"It's a very hidden yardage play… our punt return team is trying to get a first down every play with a return of over 10 yards."
 
Traveling South
The matchup also brings a new challenge as UC takes its first flight trip of the season. Coach Housekeeper talked about this opportunity for his program saying, "I've got a lot of guys who will be on a flight for the first time, which is exciting for them… but the number one priority is making sure that we're in the right mental state to compete hard at 3 o'clock on Saturday in Lakeland, Florida."
 
Kickoff
Cumberlands and Warner square off at 3 p.m. Saturday in Lakeland, FL. Live video can be found here and stats will be available here.
 
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