UC, WV State feature dominating defenses
By Mike Whiteford
Charleston Gazette
A year ago, they played an entertaining, back-and-forth game in front of 7,000 fans at University of Charleston Stadium.
In that game, in which free tickets stirred interest and boosted attendance, the University of Charleston made use of two fourth-quarter turnovers in overcoming a one-point deficit to defeat West Virginia State 42-29.
This season’s meeting of the Golden Eagles and Yellow Jackets — set for 1 p.m. Saturday at Lakin Field in Institute — will match teams that seem poised for big seasons.
UC is 3-1 and owns what coach Tony DeMeo calls probably the school’s best victory since it revived football in 2003, and State is 2-0 for the first time in six years.
Both teams have excelled on defense, making it unlikely they will duplicate last season’s high-scoring affair.
“We’re progressing,’’ said DeMeo. “We’re getting a little better every week, and that’s all you can ask.’’
On Sept. 8, the Golden Eagles collected a 17-8 victory over Elizabeth City (N.C.) State, a team ranked No. 12 in the Street & Smith preseason Division II poll and No. 21 in the coaches poll.
“Elizabeth City was probably the biggest win the school has had since they brought back football,’’ said the UC coach. “They were a ranked team that went to the playoffs last year.’’
On Saturday, UC shut down West Virginia Wesleyan 33-6 and continued its second-half domination. In the Elizabeth City and Wesleyan victories, the Golden Eagles held a 41-6 second-half scoring edge.
Against the Bobcats, the UC defense yielded just 86 rushing yards and 124 passing in the game and elevated its play in the final 30 minutes.
“I think it’s a reflection of depth and conditioning,’’ said DeMeo. “I think we’re in real good physical condition, and we’re playing about 60 players a game, so that’s a reflection of our depth, too.’’
West Virginia State edged Fairmont State 14-7 at Lakin Field Saturday and limited the Falcons to 5 rushing yards and 166 passing. In their opening victory, a 37-14 decision at Lincoln (Mo.) University, the Jackets allowed only 57 rushing yards and 142 passing.
The Jackets’ defense likely will see something new Saturday, said second-year State coach Earl Monroe.
“UC presents different obstacles,’’ said Monroe. “Their offense is high-powered; they get you spread out, so it’s going to be a different challenge. It’s all about how you’re able to match up. We had some success against them on offense last year, so hopefully we can do some of those same things.’’
BRIEFLY: UC threw only nine passes Saturday, completing four for 60 yards, and rushed for 240 yards. The ratio is likely to change, said DeMeo. “We’re looking for balance between the run and the pass,’’ he said. “It depends on who we’re playing. I rarely look at stats. The only stats I look at are turnovers and points. That’s about it.’’ ... In two games, State quarterback Kevin O’Brien has completed 40-of-71 passes for 486 yards for four touchdowns and one interception.
Charleston Gazette
A year ago, they played an entertaining, back-and-forth game in front of 7,000 fans at University of Charleston Stadium.
In that game, in which free tickets stirred interest and boosted attendance, the University of Charleston made use of two fourth-quarter turnovers in overcoming a one-point deficit to defeat West Virginia State 42-29.
This season’s meeting of the Golden Eagles and Yellow Jackets — set for 1 p.m. Saturday at Lakin Field in Institute — will match teams that seem poised for big seasons.
UC is 3-1 and owns what coach Tony DeMeo calls probably the school’s best victory since it revived football in 2003, and State is 2-0 for the first time in six years.
Both teams have excelled on defense, making it unlikely they will duplicate last season’s high-scoring affair.
“We’re progressing,’’ said DeMeo. “We’re getting a little better every week, and that’s all you can ask.’’
On Sept. 8, the Golden Eagles collected a 17-8 victory over Elizabeth City (N.C.) State, a team ranked No. 12 in the Street & Smith preseason Division II poll and No. 21 in the coaches poll.
“Elizabeth City was probably the biggest win the school has had since they brought back football,’’ said the UC coach. “They were a ranked team that went to the playoffs last year.’’
On Saturday, UC shut down West Virginia Wesleyan 33-6 and continued its second-half domination. In the Elizabeth City and Wesleyan victories, the Golden Eagles held a 41-6 second-half scoring edge.
Against the Bobcats, the UC defense yielded just 86 rushing yards and 124 passing in the game and elevated its play in the final 30 minutes.
“I think it’s a reflection of depth and conditioning,’’ said DeMeo. “I think we’re in real good physical condition, and we’re playing about 60 players a game, so that’s a reflection of our depth, too.’’
West Virginia State edged Fairmont State 14-7 at Lakin Field Saturday and limited the Falcons to 5 rushing yards and 166 passing. In their opening victory, a 37-14 decision at Lincoln (Mo.) University, the Jackets allowed only 57 rushing yards and 142 passing.
The Jackets’ defense likely will see something new Saturday, said second-year State coach Earl Monroe.
“UC presents different obstacles,’’ said Monroe. “Their offense is high-powered; they get you spread out, so it’s going to be a different challenge. It’s all about how you’re able to match up. We had some success against them on offense last year, so hopefully we can do some of those same things.’’
BRIEFLY: UC threw only nine passes Saturday, completing four for 60 yards, and rushed for 240 yards. The ratio is likely to change, said DeMeo. “We’re looking for balance between the run and the pass,’’ he said. “It depends on who we’re playing. I rarely look at stats. The only stats I look at are turnovers and points. That’s about it.’’ ... In two games, State quarterback Kevin O’Brien has completed 40-of-71 passes for 486 yards for four touchdowns and one interception.