WILLIAMSBURG, KY – The University of the Cumberlands football team returns to the road Saturday as the Patriots travel to Georgetown, KY, for a Mid-South Conference matchup against No. 9 Georgetown College. UC enters the contest at 5-3 overall and 1-2 in conference play following a 48-21 setback against Cumberland University, while the Tigers come in at 5-2 and remain unbeaten in MSC play at 3-0. Kickoff is scheduled for 1:30 PM ET.
Georgetown holds a 19-4 advantage in the series dating back to 2001, including victories in the last three meetings. The Patriots fell 35-28 in last season's matchup but will look to repeat their last trip to Georgetown in 2022, when UC earned a 24-23 victory.
Responding and Refocusing
Despite last week's setback, Head Coach Shan Housekeeper has been encouraged by how the Patriots have responded in preparation for another nationally ranked opponent.
"We've got a good quality group of kids, so they keep things in perspective and understand that we still have a lot to work for and a lot of things to be excited about," said Housekeeper. "They love to play, they love each other, and they've been able to regroup and get excited about playing another opponent."
Housekeeper emphasized that the Patriots have remained focused on improving throughout the week while preparing for the challenges Georgetown presents.
"They've continued to work and develop and grow and stay on track," said Housekeeper. "They're definitely excited to get back in the mix on Saturday."
Challenging Georgetown's Passing Attack
Georgetown has established itself as one of the more productive passing teams in the conference, averaging 237.4 yards through the air while throwing for 16 touchdowns through seven games. The Tigers have accumulated 1,662 passing yards, with Justice Burnam leading the attack with 1,390 yards and 11 touchdowns.
Clayton Davis leads the receiving corps with 520 yards and four touchdowns, while Jamarcus Robinson has added 227 yards and three scores. Georgetown has also received production from Trevor DeLacey, who has thrown for 272 yards and five touchdowns.
"They do a really good job of getting receivers open," said Housekeeper. "We've got to be able to match the areas that they want to exploit offensively. We've got to have answers, and we've got to have guys in position to defend it."
The Patriots enter the matchup having recorded 49 tackles for loss, 13 sacks and six interceptions this season. UC has also limited opposing quarterbacks to a 49.4 percent completion rate, creating opportunities for the defense to disrupt Georgetown's passing attack.
Housekeeper believes maintaining discipline against the Tigers' various offensive looks will be critical. "They'll throw it all over the field, so they give you a lot of different looks," said Housekeeper. "Having our guys be able to keep it simple in their minds is a big part of what we want to do."
Leadership on Defense
Cumberlands' defense has been anchored by Ritt Tankersley, who leads the Patriots with 68 tackles through eight games. The linebacker has recorded 6.5 tackles for loss, a sack and an interception while emerging as one of the unit's most consistent performers.
Tankersley has been particularly productive over the last two contests, recording 12 tackles against Bethel before posting a career-high 18 stops against Cumberland.
"He's a very intelligent player, a very savvy player and a guy that cares a lot," said Housekeeper. "He's an emotional leader for us. He's a leader for us on the field and getting ready to go on the field."
Tankersley is joined by JD DeRoche, who has recorded 54 tackles, and Zander Curry, who has added 46 stops and a team-high nine tackles for loss. Jaquon Hall leads the Patriots with 4.5 sacks, while Kantrel Smith has contributed eight tackles for loss.
Housekeeper believes Tankersley's leadership and understanding of the defense have helped the unit continue to develop throughout the season. "He's a very key part of what we're able to do defensively," said Housekeeper. "He's a guy that handles a lot day to day and week to week and is a guy that really makes us better."
Finding Offensive Consistency
On the other side of the ball, Georgetown's defense has been effective at limiting opposing offenses, allowing just 19.1 points per game and 316.7 total yards per contest. The Tigers have recorded 39 tackles for loss and 13 sacks while holding opponents to 132.7 rushing yards per game.
Cumberlands enters averaging 33.8 points and 392.4 yards per contest, including 179.4 on the ground. Jayden Clayton leads the Patriots with 584 rushing yards and five touchdowns, while Juan Bullard Jr. has added 432 yards and five scores. Drew Gregg has thrown for 1,455 yards and 14 touchdowns, with Michael Petty and Cade Lamb combining for 871 receiving yards and eight scores.
"They're based off consistency and no breakdowns," said Housekeeper. "That's what their whole philosophy is geared around, not having things run by them and not being out of position or out of place."
Housekeeper emphasized the importance of maintaining offensive rhythm and avoiding negative plays against a defense that rarely puts itself in difficult situations.
"We've got to do a good job offensively of making plays in contested areas and be able to capitalize on some matchups," said Housekeeper. "Just consistency and staying in front of the chains and being able to not put the ball in harm's way as well. Those are all critical areas."
Playing Their Best Football
Saturday presents another opportunity for Cumberlands to compete against one of the nation's top programs as the Patriots look to earn their second conference victory of the season.
Georgetown enters having won all three of its MSC contests, and Housekeeper believes the Tigers' ability to execute consistently has been a major factor in their success.
"They're solid, they're consistent, they play hard, and they're well coached," said Housekeeper. "They do a good job of minimizing mistakes and not putting themselves in negative positions."
For the Patriots, the focus remains on putting together a complete performance and continuing to improve as conference play progresses. "We want to show that we're capable of playing with good competition," said Housekeeper. "I still want to see us play our best football that we still have in us."
Cumberlands looks to return to the win column Saturday when the Patriots face No. 9 Georgetown in Georgetown, KY. Kickoff is scheduled for 1:30 PM ET.
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