Time: 7:00 p.m.

Date: Saturday, October 5, 2019

Place: Hambley Athletic Complex

History: Cumberlands leads 10-6

WEEKLY GAMEDAY TAILGATE SPONSOR: Texas Roadhouse

TICKET INFORMATION:

Adults - $10
Non-UPIKE students - $5
Children 5 and under – Free
UPIKE students, faculty, and staff – Free with UPIKE ID

GAMEDAY MAP:
 

LAST TIME OUT: UPIKE football will head into its bye week happy after beating one of the NAIA's biggest surprises in Kentucky Christian on Saturday, 49-38. The game was a barnburner from start to finish with the first punt not coming until there were under five minutes left in the first half. For the second straight game, UPIKE's offense was on fire, going for 455 yards in the game, including 300 on the ground without its premier back, Xondre Willis, who was held out with injury.

SCOUTING THE PATRIOTS: Cumberlands is coming off one of the most shocking results of recent history, defeating Union by a dominating 98-0 mark. Cumberlands scored four touchdowns in three of four quarters and amassed 727 yards of total offense. Because of the circumstances of their last game, the Patriots' team stats and their rankings are a bit skewed, but the No. 11 ranking in the polls show their true power. The Patriots operate a very run heavy offense, with touches spread wide and far among the team. Seven different Patriots average more than 20 yards rushing a game, while they only attempt passes on about 40% of their plays.

TOUGH SLEDDING: Today's matchup is the third consecutive official contest against a team mentioned in the NAIA Coaches' Top 25 Poll. In addition to today, the Bears will face currently ranked or mentioned teams three more times before the season ends.

SPECIAL TEAMS SPECIALTY: The Bears have excelled this season in the game's forgotten third. UPIKE is one of 28 teams that have yet to miss an extra point, and are fourth in punt return yards per attempt at 22.5.

TOP-LEVEL BEARS: Through three games, UPIKE is 24th in the NAIA in rushing offense with 181 yards on the ground this season. While the offensive line helps with that, they've also been getting the job done in pass protection, with only two sacks allowed this season, which is 10th in the country. Individually, Alexander Shelton is 26th in total scoring thanks to his three total touchdowns this season Bowen Smith is 28th in pass efficency with a 136.8 passer rating. Three Bears defenders are ranked in the top 50 in passes defended as Taeron Brown, Josh Green, and Cedric Thomas are tied for 29th, tied for 29th, and 50th in the NAIA, respectively.

20 YEARS OF BEARS FOOTBALL: With today's game, UPIKE begins its 20th year of football. Players will wear decals on their helmet all season to signify the anniversary. UPIKE holds an all-time record of 88-114, but head coach Al Holland is turning the program around with winning seasons two of the last three years.

-UPIKE-