The Blue Raiders (7-0, 3-0 Mid-South Conference Bluegrass) last defeated No. 22 Cumberland (Tenn.) 44-41 on Homecoming weekend. Lindsey Wilson totaled 480 yards of offense as Blake Ingleton rushed for two touchdown and 117 yards. It marks the second time this season Ingleton has rushed for over 100 yards in a game. Dylan Beasley threw for 288 yards and four scores as Cam Wyche caught two passes for a team-high 97 yards.
The Lindsey Wilson defense had three players’ record double-digit tackles in the game. Jalon Kemp set a program record with 20 tackles – 13 solo and seven assisted – in the game as he also managed one sack and a forced fumble. Trent Mueller recorded 11 tackles as Joe Lewis had 10. Tony Brackins recorded his first interception of the season and the sixth of his career.
The Blue Raiders rank second in the NAIA in kickoff return yards per game (27.0), second in pass efficiency (198.0), fourth in scoring offense per game (51.9), fifth in punt return yards per attempt (16.4) and ninth in scoring defense per game (19.6). Lindsey Wilson also rank 13th in pass offense per game (291.3), 15th in pass defense per game (180.1) and 17th in yards per game (464.9).
Individually, LWC has four players ranked in the top-10 in the NAIA. Jared Dougherty is first in field goal percentage (1.0) and ninth in scoring for kickers per game (7.6). Beasley ranks second in pass efficiency (192.8), Mueller is third in tackles per game with 11.3 and Allen Cooks ranks eighth in total punt return yards (154).
Bethel (2-6, 1-3 MSC Bluegrass) defeated Cincinnati Christian (Ohio) 54-0 last week. The Wildcats totaled 79 plays for 525 yards in the game. On the day, 251 yards came via the ground and 274 yards coming through the air. Sam Castronova completed 17-of-31 passes for 243 yards and one touchdown. Taye David rushed the ball 13 times for a team-high 77 yards and one score.
The Wildcats rank eighth in kickoff return yards per attempt (24.4). Demetrice Gilbert has recorded the most interception (6) in the NAIA on the season as Chris Beavers is No. 3 in fumbles forced per game (0.4)
Saturday’s matchup is the fourth all-time meeting between the two programs. Lindsey Wilson holds a slight edge in the series with a 2-1 record. The Blue Raiders have won the last two meetings including a 52-38 victory at Blue Raider Stadium last season. LWC went for 485 yards of total offense including 310 yards on the ground.
Live video and stats will be available for Saturday's contest. Live audio will also be available on the Lindsey Wilson Sports Network. Kickoff is scheduled for 1:30 p.m. CT at Wildcat Stadium.