Bears at Rams:

The University of Pikeville Bears will hit the road for the second consecutive week against the Bluefield University Rams. UPIKE comes into Saturday night's matchup with a record of 2-1 (1-1 MSC). The Bears are coming off a 45-16 loss to the Bethel (Tenn.) Wildcats. Bluefield enters this week's matchup with a 3-2 (0-0 AAC) record after a 31-19 road victory over Kentucky Christian last week. Saturday's matchup is the ninth all-time meeting between the Bears and the Rams, with UPIKE having an 8-0 advantage. Last time these two teams met, UPIKE rolled 52-20 in Corey Fipps' first win as head coach of the Bears. 

About The Bears: 

Coach Fipps' UPIKE Bears are an air raid team through-and-through. Pikeville leads the NAIA with 467.0 pass yards per game and in total yards per game at 518.7. They are seventh in yards per attempt (9.0) and fifth in total passing yards with 1,401 through three games. On third down, the Bears are 20th nationwide at 43%. Turnovers have been a problem for the Bears offense, with eleven (7 INT, 4 FUM) through three games.

Coach Chris Elliott's defense is allowing 387.3 yards per game, 112.7 on the ground and 274.7 through the air. UPIKE's defense, while they have surrendered yards and points, are opportunistic and force a lot of havoc plays. The Bears have six sacks, 18.5 tackles for loss, 14 pass break-ups and have forced eight turnovers (6 INT, 2 FR) through three games. 

About The Rams: 

Bluefield, similar to UPIKE, likes to air it out on offense, averaging 39.4 attempts per game. The Rams average 269.4 passing yards per game on 6.8 yards per attempt. Bluefield is 39% on third down on the year, and has only scored on 11 of 20 (55%) of their red zone trips through five games. Similar to UPIKE, Bluefield has had issues taking care of the football. The Rams have thrown 12 interceptions and have lost five fumbles. 

Defensively, the Rams are allowing 165.4 yards per game on the ground and 256.8 through the air (422.2 total) per game. Bluefield's defense is as opportunistic as they come. Their havoc play numbers include 34 tackles for loss, 25 pass break-ups, 18 forced turnovers (10 INT, 8 FR) and have scored three defensive touchdowns. The Rams lead the NAIA in fumble recoveries and defensive scores, and their ten interceptions rank third. 

Who/What To Watch For: 

Neither the Bears nor the Rams have been particularly effective running the ball this year, but that might have to change Saturday. Rain and light wind are in the forecast Saturday night. If the conditions are unsuitable for passing the ball, it could be a low-scoring game because both teams are averaging below 90 rushing yards per game. 

If the conditions are conducive for passing the ball, this has the potential to be a high scoring game. Bears quarterback Lee Kirkland has thrown for 1,225 yards, nine touchdowns, six interceptions, has completed 60.6% of his passes and has a 155.6 efficiency rating. The Bears also have six pass catchers with over 100 yards receiving.. 

In last week's game at KCU, the Rams defense turned the Knights over six times (4 INT, 2 FR). While the Bluefield defense forces a lot of turnovers, the Rams offense has had problems taking care of the ball. Rams quarterback Nathan Herstich has thrown for 1,308 yards and 11 touchdowns, but also has 12 interceptions on the year. 

Similar to UPIKE, Bluefield has a lot of play-makers at wide receiver. Ten of quarterback Nathan Herstich's eleven touchdown passes have gone to Jewels Gray, JaQuan Ebron and Thomas Lee. The trio of Gray, Ebron and Lee have also combined for 1,086 receiving yards through five games. 

Defensively, the Rams are led by senior linebacker Sam Kirtley. Kirtley leads the Rams with 45.0 total tackles, 4.5 tackles for loss, two sacks and a forced fumble. Senior KeDarrius Phinazee leads the Rams defensive backs in total tackles (33.0) and junior Tyrese Wolfe leads Bluefield in interceptions (4) and pass break-ups (6). 

UPIKE linebackers Jonathan Morton and Travion Pope lead the Bears in total tackles with 23.0 each. Cameron Miller leads the Bears with two interceptions, one of which he returned 100 yards for a touchdown. UPIKE's defensive end duo of Josh Ervin and Myson Livingston combine for 18.0 tackles, 4.5 tackles for loss and three sacks. 

The Game Will Be Decided By…

Turnovers and the weather. The team that wins the turnover battle will likely win the game. Both of these teams force a lot of turnovers but have turnovers issues themselves. The Rams defense leads NAIA in fumble recoveries, but has also lost five fumbles themselves. The weather could also force these teams to move away from their identities. If these two air-raid teams are forced to change up their game plans, it could come down to the team that runs the ball most effectively.