Game Day Credential: Falcons looking to snap two-game skid
MEQUON, Wis. – Concordia Wisconsin is ready to snap a two-game losing streak on Saturday when it hosts Benedictine at 1 pm in a NACC contest at Tomasini Stadium. The game is also part of Family Weekend.
THE BASICS
Who: Concordia Wisconsin (2-2, 0-1 NACC) vs. Benedictine (3-1, 1-0 NACC)
Where: Tomasini Stadium (Mequon, Wis.)
When: Saturday, October 8 (1 pm)
Live Coverage: Live video click here or live statistics (also includes video) click here
DIGITAL GAME PROGRAM
- Fans can access the digital program for Saturday's game by clicking here. Printed programs are also available on a limited quantity at the game for $2 each.
NOTES TO CONSIDER
- LAST TIME OUT FOR CUW: The Falcons struggled in all facets of the game at Lakeland, amassing just seven first downs and 115 total offensive yards on a field that was inches deep in mud from a constant rain. In all, there were a combined 25 possessions and just three resulted in a score, as Lakeland came out in front of the 16-7 decision.
- THE SERIES (SINCE 2008): Benedictine holds a 5-3 record over CUW during the NACC era. In the last meeting, Benedictine overcame an 11-point deficit to win 39-35. In the series over the past eight matchups, the Eagles hold a 192-130 scoring advantage.
- HISTORY IN CUW'S FAVOR: It was a dissapointing loss at Lakeland, but CUW has history on its side because they are 7-1 in its first home NACC game of the season. In all, the Falcons are 19-7 in home NACC games.
- KEY PLAYER TO WATCH FOR CUW: Defensive back Richie Guess is the team leader with 40 tackles (21 solo). The junior also has two pass breakups, three fumbles recovered and two forced fumbles. He has three double-digit tackle games this season.
- MATCHUP TO WATCH: The defensive units for both teams because they are ranked first and second in the NACC, respectively, in points allowed. Concordia Wisconsin has given up a NACC-low 75 points, while Benedictine has allowed 83 points on the scoreboard.
- WHAT IS AT STAKE: The difference in staying in the race for the NACC title or falling behind with an 0-2 record in league play for the Falcons. A victory would also go a long way on the confidence scale going forward.
- LAST TIME OUT FOR BENEDICTINE: The Eagles scored the game's final 37 points and piled up 556 total offensive yards in a 67-15 blowout versus Rockford. Overall, Benedictine had 332 passing yards and 224 rushing yards, to go along with 26 first downs. Ryan Sample threw for 326 yards and four TDs, while four Eagles ran for a score.
- AERIAL DISPLAY LAST SEASON: Last season the Falcons and Eagles put on an aerial display that was quite impressive, as both combined for 696 yards passing and 256 rushing yards. Concordia Wisconsin's Aaron Nixon was 29-of-44 for 315 yards and 5 TDs, while Benedictine's Ryan Sample completed 33-of-55 passes for 381 yards and 4 TDs.
- KEY PLAYER TO WATCH FOR BENEDICTINE: Quarterback Ryan Sample is proving to be a difficult matchup for opponents, as he is ranked 13th nationally in total offensive yards per game (350.3). The gunslinger has thrown for 1,324 yards and 12 touchdowns in four games. Sample has three-consecutive 300+ yard passing games and has thrown just three interceptions this season. He also has two rushing touchdowns to his credit.
- MATCHUP TO WATCH: Benedictine's aerial attack against Concordia Wisconsin's defensive backfield. The Eagles own the 20th best-passing attack in the country (332.5 yards per game), while the Falcons are allowing just 199.5 yards per game through the air.
- WHAT IS AT STAKE: A victory for Benedictine could put them in the driver's seat for its fourth NACC title. The Eagles started last season 5-0 in league play before losing a game. They have won the first two NACC games on their schedule three times before.
