SPORTS

DAVIDSON, N.C. – Due to potential weather concerns in the late afternoon, Saturday’s kick off against Morehead State has been moved up to 12:00 p.m.

Attendance will still be limited to 250 from the team list and 250 students.

THE SERIES
The Wildcats and Eagles have faced off every season since the series inception in 1999. Morehead State leads the all-time series 14-7 and holds a slim edge at Richardson Stadium (5-4). Davidson snapped a seven-game skid last year with a 42-31 win at Jayne Stadium.

LAST TIME OUT
Davidson improved to 2-0 in PFL-play last Saturday with a 41-24 win over Presbyterian at Richardson Stadium. Junior Coy Williams rushed 17 times for 131 yards and three touchdowns including a 56-yard scoring scamper on 4th-and-1, a go-ahead touchdown run in the third quarter. The Davidson defense continued to impose their will, forcing a pair of Blue Hose turnovers, including the ‘Cats first defensive touchdown of the season. Rookie Jonathan Hammond forced and recovered a Presby fumble in the end zone, while sophomore Miles Davis snagged his first career interception. Junior linebacker Jake Alexander once again filled the stat sheet, notching a team-high six tackles, and sacking Tyler Huff for a loss of five yards.

SCOUTING THE EAGLES
Like Davidson, Morehead State opened the season with a strong opponent, traveling to nationally ranked number four, now number one, James Madison. The Eagles fell to JMU 52-0 and Presbyterian 31-16 to open the campaign, but righted the ship with a home-opening win over Stetson last Saturday, 31-14. Three Eagles have thrown passes in the early going led by starter Mark Pappas (50 of 92 for 462 yards and five touchdowns to three interceptions). BJ Byrd leads the wide receiver core with 14 catches for 212 yards and three touchdowns, while Issiah Aguero has churned out 146 yards on the ground for the pass-first Eagles offense. On defense, keep an eye on Vincent Winey, the Morehead State tackles leader, entering the game with 34 total and a forced fumble.

LAST TIME THEY MET
The ‘Cats jumped out to a 35-7 halftime lead and cruised to a 42-31 win at Jayne Stadium on Oct. 5, 2019. Wesley Dugger rushed for four touchdowns, three in the first half, while Tyler Phelps and Kahleel Shaw added a pair of TDs to jump on the Eagles early. Morehead State came to life with four second half touchdowns, but Dugger’s fourth of the day helped dose the comeback threat. Jaden Pask led the defensive effort with 10 tackles, nine of them solo stops, while Rayshawn McCall picked off an MSU pass. Phelps completed four of seven passes for 190 yards that included a 76-yard scoring strike to Shaw. 

OH THE FAMILIAR PLACES
Davidson sits atop the FCS in rushing yards per games (317.7) and 3rd down conversions (59.2%). The Wildcats were the national statistical champion in 3rd down conversions in 2019 and in rushing yards per game in 2018. 

SETTING A P.A.C.E. FOR CHANGE
In response to the racial tension, social unrest and the prevalence of systematic racism in our country, Davidson football created P.A.C.E. (Progress, Advocate, Cooperate, Educate). The mission of P.A.C.E. is to lead the team, campus, community and country in promoting equality, unity and opportunity. In late August, the team hosted a gathering on the front lawn of Chambers to speak out against racism and actively fight for change.

LEADING THE PACK
Senior quarterback Tyler Phelps returns for his fourth season to lead the offense, while Jalen Jefferson, Chibuike Odo and Cade Vela captain a Davidson defense that soared to the top of the FCS in 2019. Junior Eli Turner Jr. also will don captain duties throughout the season.

SOCIAL MEDIA
Fans can connect directly with the Davidson Football staff on Facebook (www.facebook.com/Davidson-Football), Twitter (@DavidsonFB) and Instagram (@DavidsonFootball). Head coach Scott Abell is on Twitter and can be found at @Scott_AbellFB

THE COACH’S CORNER
Be sure to check out The Coach’s Corner with Scott Abell every Monday powered by Atrium Health. Coach Abell will discuss the previous week and look ahead to the upcoming opponent, giving fans an inside look into the Wildcat football program. 

For the latest on Davidson football, be sure to follow the team on Twitter, Instagram and Facebook!