The Blue Raiders (7-0, 4-0 MSC) enter the game after securing the program’s 100th win with a 31-0 victory over Pikeville (Ky.) last week. Head Coach Chris Oliver also celebrated 100 coaching wins in the victory.
The Lindsey Wilson defense had a spectacular day, holding the Bears to only 53 total offensive yards to secure a third consecutive shutout. Jo Fluker and Therone Orr led the way for the Blue Raider’s defense as they recorded seven tackles each, a combined three sacks, a forced fumble, and a fumble recovery in the match.
As a team, the Blue Raiders are averaging 41.3 points per game, the 13th best average in the country, while also producing 420 yards of offense per game. The offense has gone 55-113 on third down, producing the 4th best third-down conversion rate in the NAIA.
Defensively, the Blue Raiders rank 8th in the nation in defensive interceptions with 13 and 6th in interception return yards with 262 on the season.
As for the Wildcats (6-2, 3-1 MSC), they enter the match second in conference standings and are on a three-game win streak. In their last outing, they defeated Cumberland (Tenn.) 43-24.
Bethel is led offensively by Nolan Chowbay with 2,426 passing yards and 23 touchdowns on the season. Running back De’Ontay Tate leads the team with 856 rushing yards and nine touchdowns, while James Dixon has been the primary target on the receiving end with a team-high 753 receiving yards and 10 touchdowns.
On defense for the Wildcats, Jakobe Griffin leads the team with 30 tackles while Jerwin Young has been a handful for opposing offensive lines with a team-high 4 sacks this season. Devious Christmon leads the Wildcats with five interceptions.
As a team, the Wildcats are averaging 3,674 yards of total offense, the 7th best average in the nation while ranking 6th in both passing yards with 2,436 and passing touchdowns with 23. Defensively, they lead the nation in total tackles with 650.
This will be the eighth all-time meeting between these programs with Lindsey Wilson winning the last meeting 49-7 on April 9th. The Blue Raiders are a perfect 3-0 when playing the Wildcats on the road.
Live video, audio, and stats will be available for the game. Kickoff is scheduled for 1:30 p.m. CT at Wildcat Stadium.
Kyle Jackson