WILLIAMSBURG, KY – The University of the Cumberlands football team hits the road for the first time this season Saturday as the Patriots travel to Bluefield, VA for a non-conference matchup with the Rams. UC enters the contest 1-0 following a 41-28 season-opening victory over Union Commonwealth, while Bluefield comes in at 0-1 after dropping its opener 37-20. The Pats have won their last three matchups with the Rams, including a 66-12 win at home a season ago. Kickoff is set for 1:30 PM.
 
Cumberlands produced 431 yards of offense in its opener, including 231 on the ground, and averaged 7.3 yards per play. The Patriots built a 41-21 halftime advantage behind several explosive plays before leaning on the defense to close out the victory.
 
Incremental Improvement
Despite the season-opening win, Head Coach Shan Housekeeper saw several areas where the Patriots can improve in Week 2. UC turned the ball over five times against Union, including four lost fumbles, while being flagged eight times for 85 yards.
 
"We definitely made our players and coaches aware of the damage that happens when you allow mistakes to accumulate," said Housekeeper. "A lot of self-inflicted penalties and turnovers were things that were controlled by us. The objective now is to learn from them, understand the importance of them and not repeat them."
 
That improvement fits into Housekeeper's emphasis on incremental growth from one week to the next.
 
"I just want us to be better," said Housekeeper. "If we're better, then that's a building block. If we continue to press forward and continue to grow, that puts you closer to what you're capable of."
 
Sustaining the Start
UC's offense came out firing against Union, scoring 20 points in the opening quarter and 21 more in the second to take a 41-21 lead into halftime.
 
Juan Bullard Jr. led the ground attack with 136 yards and two touchdowns on eight carries, while Tanner Marsh scored both through the air and on the ground. Drew Gregg completed 10-of-15 passes for 200 yards and a touchdown.
 
The next step is sustaining that production after UC was held scoreless over the final two quarters.
 
"It's just personal initiative and a willingness to mentally stay sharpened on that edge," said Housekeeper. "It's not like all of a sudden we got worse physically. It's not settling into human nature and having a strong enough mentality and mindset to continue to stay on edge."
 
Housekeeper added that the Patriots were far from satisfied with their performance.
 
"Hopefully, we can sustain at a higher level and continue to stretch that to three quarters and four," said Housekeeper. "We're still a work in progress, and I expect to see us continue to grow."
 
Handling the Rams
Bluefield showed a willingness to throw the ball in its opener, attempting 45 passes and finishing with 235 passing yards. The Rams' leading receiver accounted for 158 yards, while their leading rusher added 85 yards and both of Bluefield's touchdowns.
 
That creates another test for a Cumberlands secondary that was challenged frequently in Week 1. Union attempted 57 passes, but UC allowed just 18 completions while recording two interceptions, nine pass breakups and five quarterback hurries. Tion Garmon highlighted the effort with an 89-yard interception return for a touchdown, while Khalil Mollay added an interception in the fourth quarter.
 
"They do a good job throwing it around and spreading you out," said Housekeeper. "They're well coached, and they try to take advantage of consistent things that defenses are going to do."
 
Housekeeper believes execution and technique will once again be critical.
 
"I feel like we can match up okay with these guys if we execute well and play with technique," said Housekeeper. "I want to see our guys perform at a higher level earlier and then sustain it."
 
The Patriot defense also responded well to difficult situations in the opener, repeatedly keeping Union off the board despite several second-half turnovers giving the Bulldogs favorable field position.
 
"We played with a lot of young guys on defense, a lot of very inexperienced guys, so they had to learn how to manage and handle a game," said Housekeeper. "It doesn't really matter where we're at defensively on the field. We still have the same job. The only play that matters is right now."
 
Moving the Chains
Bluefield's defense allowed 471 total yards in its opener, including 327 through the air and three passing touchdowns, while still recording seven tackles for loss, a sack and an interception.
 
Cumberlands showed balance in Week 1 with 231 rushing yards and 200 passing yards while converting all four of its red-zone opportunities into touchdowns.
 
"I think sustainability and consistency are going to be the biggest things because we've got skill," said Housekeeper. "Our offensive system allows us to be aggressive in a lot of different ways. If they really want to take something away, we should be able to have answers for what they're trying to take."
 
For Housekeeper, that comes back to execution and staying on schedule.
 
"They've got to execute well, they've got to hold onto the ball, and we've got to continue to move the chains," said Housekeeper. "Down success rate is a big thing. It's a real thing, and our kids understand that."
 
Cumberlands will look to move to 2-0 when the Patriots face Bluefield on Saturday in Bluefield, VA. Kickoff is scheduled for 1:30 PM.
 
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