Friday, October 05, 2007

The Friday Tailgate


Johns Hopkins (0-3, 1-4) at Dickinson (3-0, 5-0)
In recent years, this game had major title implications, but the Blue Jays have dropped four in a row since its season-opening win at Hampden-Sydney to take some of the luster off the game. In fairness, Hopkins' first seven opponents have a combined 27-6 record. It is the 61st meeting between the two schools with JHU holding a slim 29-27-4 advantage. Dickinson QB Ian Mitchell has completed nearly 63 percent of his passes and his offense has converted 41.8 percent of all third-down opportunities. Hopkins RB Andrew Kase has back-to-back 100-yard rushing performances.

Gettysburg (2-1, 3-2) at Moravian (2-1, 4-1)
The top two offenses in the Conference meet in Bethlehem, as the Bullets average 404 yards per game while the Greyhounds post 373 per contest. A Gettysburg win would give coach Barry Streeter a Conference-record 78th Centennial victory. Bullet RB Tom Sturges is fourth on the school's career rushing list with 3,441 yards. Moravian PK Brian Reckenbeil became the school's all-time kick scoring leader (133) last week vs. Dickinson. The 'Hounds have turned the ball over 12 times in their last three games. Injuries look to sideline Moravian RBs Tyler McCambridge and Tyler deRouen this week.

Franklin & Marshall (1-1, 1-3) at Ursinus (1-1, 3-1)
One of the oldest series in Conference history, the Diplomats and the Bears renew acquaintances for the 89th time since 1894. F&M has a commanding 60-24-4 lead in the series. Diplomat QB Kyle Turner (pictured) leads the CC in passing yards (255.0) and total offense (269.0), while WR George Eager has three consecutive 10+ catch games. They'll keep Bear DB Chris Frank busy - he is third in the Conference in tackles (9.8).

Muhlenberg (2-0, 4-0) at Juniata (0-3, 0-4)
The two teams meet for the first time since 1931 with the Eagles looking to defeat the Mules for the first time in three games. Juniata leads the CC in passing offense, led by QB Jay Leonard who had thrown for over 200 yards in four consecutive games before having his streak snapped by McDaniel last week. The Eagle defense leads the Conference in red-zone defense, surrendering points on just 42 percent of opposition trips inside the 20. Muhlenberg continues to lead the CC in most every significant defensive category, including pass defense. RB John DeLuca ran for a career-high 131 yards last weekend vs. Johns Hopkins.

NCAA Statistical Leaders (top 20)
Total Defense: 5. Muhlenberg, 191.5
Rushing Defense: 18. Muhlenberg, 70.0
Pass Efficiency Defense: 11. Muhlenberg, 79.1
Scoring Defense: 8. Muhlenberg, 8.5
Turnover Margin: 19. Muhlenberg, 1.8
Pass Sacks Allowed: 15. Gettysburg, 1.0
Turnovers Gained: 17. Moravian, 15.0

Rushing Yards per Game: 10. Tom Sturges, Gettysburg, 139.4
Passing Efficiency: 13. Marc Braxmeier, Moravian, 168.6
Receptions per Game: 6. George Eager, Franklin & Marshall, 9.8; 19. Lance Tippett, Juniata, 7.5
Receiving Yards per Game: 20. Lance Tippett, Juniata, 115.0
Kickoff Returns: 6. Ryan Van Wright, Ursinus, 34.0
Field Goals per Game: 6. Brian Reckenbeil, Moravian, 1.6
Interceptions: T20. Dan Aitkens, Muhlenberg; David Mazzola, Muhlenberg, 0.8
Total Tackles: 9. Eric Dube, Dickinson, 14.2
Solo Tackles: T17. Josh Roy, Juniata; Chris Frank, Ursinus, 7.0
Pass Sacks: 17. Chris Musselman, Muhlenberg, 1.3
Tackles for Loss: 20. Chris Frank, Ursinus, 2.3
Forced Fumbles: 1. Andrew Morrissey, Moravian, 0.8; 13. Kevin McGorry, Moravian, 0.6; T18. Zach Romash, Franklin & Marshall, Jayson Williams, Moravian, 0.4
Passes Defended: 12. Ryan Heinig, Dickinson, 2.0

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