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BLUEFIELD, Va. -- The Bluefield College football team closes its 2014 slate on Saturday, as they travel to face Mid-South Conference East Division opponent, University of the Cumberlands. Kickoff is scheduled for 12:30 p.m. at James H. Taylor II Stadium.
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The Matchup
The teams' meeting last season was the first between the programs, as the then No. 1 ranked Patriots took the 56-14 victory at Mitchell Stadium. The Patriots went on to become NAIA runners-up, falling to Grand View, 35-23 in the title game.
One year changes a lot, however, as Bluefield (3-7) enters the game with more wins than the Patriots (2-7) and both teams are 1-4 in MSC East division games.
BC is coming off a 69-10 defeat to No. 10 Lindsey Wilson, while the Patriots just secured their second win of the season last week over Kentucky Christian, 20-17.
Scouting the Patriots
First year head coach Matt Rhymer has faced his challenges with a young team this season, while also facing several key injuries including 2013 starting QB Adam Craig.
Three QBs have seen time, led by Randy Maynard of late. Maynard has tossed for 600 yards, but also thrown eight interceptions.
Turnovers have been key for the Patriots this season, as they have 11 total interceptions and 16 lost fumbles.
A host of Patriots get touches on the run, led by Ricardo Lyons. Lyons has 95 carries for a net of 426 yards, while four additional RBs have between 200-300 rushing yards this season.
D.J. Rozier leads the receiving corps with 23 catches, but Wendall Williams has gained the most yardage (326) and had a team-best three receiving touchdowns.
Special teams have been a big part for the Patriots this season, especially the kick return game. Blake Ingleton and Wendall Williams make a formidable pair, as Williams has 694 return yards on 25 attempts (27.8/return) and Ingleton has 539 yards on just 10 return tries (53.9/return). Â Ingleton has a pair of returns for scores while Wendall has one as well.
On defense, Cumberlands is led by Arrico Ogletree's 59 stops, followed by 57 from Corey Washington. Washington leads the team with 7.5 tackles for loss, totaling 35 yards. Carson Newman leads the team with three sacks, and totals 5.5 tackles for loss on the year.
Bennett Seeks 1k Year
Running back
Sam Bennett ranks 24th in the NAIA with 873 rushing yards this season and is seeking the first 1,000 yard season for the Rams. After notching three-straight 100-yard games, including 276 at Union, Bennett has been held under 100 in consecutive games. There are currently thirteen 1,000-yard rushers in the NAIA this season.
Rush Attack
The Rams' run game has produced three 500-yard rushers this season: Bennett (873)
Adrian Pope (673) and
Marion Harris (512). BC is one of just four NAIA programs with three RBs having over 500 yards apiece.
Offensive Coordinator
Aaron Mingo has had a lot of tools to work with this season... 10 different backs with at least 10 rush attempts, and 11 guys that have caught passes this season.
Toussaint & Rivers on the ProwlWith turnovers being key for the Patriots, defenders
Carlton Toussaint and
Anthony Rivers will be on the lookout to add to their interception totals of six and four this season. Last week halted Toussaint's streak of four-straight games with an interception.Â
