Game Review Emporia State
This game could best be described as a battle. UCM dominated until late in the first half when ESU turned to senior quarterback Andre Sloan-El., who did not start the game for Emporia. The Mules(3-0, 1-0 in the MIAA) took a 21-6 lead in the half.

In the second half though; Emporia State’s offense came out red-hot. The Hornets outscored the Mules 15-3 in the second half. Mules’ freshman kicker Aaron Jamison hit 26-yard field goal to provide the winning margin. ESU had a chance to tie the game with 2 seconds remaining, but the field goal attempt sailed wide left to preserve a 24-21 victory for the Mules

Head Coach Willie Fritz preaches the importance of special teams. The Mules work on the kicking game every day in practice. I think we saw why Coach Fritz puts so much emphasis on this area of the game. I believe the Mules (3-0, 1-0 in the MIAA ) work on special teams was what won then this football game

The first big special teams play came when UCM blocked a field-goal attempt by Emporia State. Senior defensive back Randy Shepherd scooped up the ball and ran it back to the Emporia State 20 yard line. Junior running back Anthony Stewart took a handoff on the next play from scrimmage and scored from 20 yards out. Stewart had a solid game running the football. He ran for 121 yards and a touchdown. Emporia State scored on the next possession. UCM blocked the extra point.

Junior quarterback Eric Czerniewski led the Mules on a touchdown drive to cap the half with under a minute remaining. Czerniewski hit four different receivers capped off by a 12 yard touchdown pass to junior Jamorris Warren. Czerniewski finished the day 14-28 for 194 yards and one touchdown passing, as well as a rushing touchdown. Juniors Seth Mason and Adam Parks caught three passes each to lead the receiving corps.
The defense did a nice job of battling late in the game and making just enough plays. They were on the field for a long time throughout the game.

All I can say about this game is the Mules made the plays when they had to and did just enough to get out of Emporia with the victory. UCM has a lot of work to do before Saturday when Pittsburg State comes to Walton Stadium for a 1 p.m. kickoff during Family Weekend. This will be the Game of the Week in Division II football!


Scouting Pittsburg State
Ladies and gentlemen, it's officially Pittsburg State week. This match up has produced some of the most memorable games in UCM football history. These battles have been recounted many times on this website and others. I have a feeling this year's game could be mentioned alongside some of those other great battles. UCM will come into the game ranked 12th one spot behind PSU. The Gorillas are ranked 11th in the latest AFCA Poll.

The Gorillas (2-1, 0-1 in MIAA) are led by Head Coach Chuck Broyles, who is in his 20th year at Pittsburg State. He also serves as the school’s athletic director.
PSU will feature a Multiple\Option Offense and 3-4 defense. Pittsburg State returns three starters on offense, eight on defense and two specialists.
The Pittsburg State offense is led by junior quarterback John McCoy. McCoy has thrown for 575 yards, four touchdowns and four interceptions. He is your typical Pittsburg State dual threat quarterback. McCoy is the second leading rusher for Pittsburg State with 200 yards and four touchdowns.

The Gorilla rushing attack is led by junior running back Terrance Isaac. He has rushed for 213 yards and four touchdowns. Sophomore running back Eric Love has rushed for 179 yards. These two running backs give Pittsburg State a solid one-two punch in the backfield.

Senior wide receiver Kendall Fisher is the main receiving threat for the Gorilla passing game. He averages just over 86 yards per game receiving. Fisher has 13 receptions for 260 yards and two touchdowns on the season. Junior Ryan Holt has contributed five catches on the season. Sophomore Aaron Sawyer has averaged 40 yards per catch on four receptions this season.

The Pittsburg State defense is led by junior safety Alex Kuhlman. Kuhlman leads the Gorillas in tackles with 23. He also has one interception, one fumble recovery and one pass breakup. Senior inside linebacker Antonio Graham has made 20 stops, 1.5 for loss and a forced fumble. Sophomore outside linebacker Spencer Worthington leads the team in sacks with two.

Keys to the Game
I think there are six things the Mules need to do in order to pick up a huge win on Saturday at Walton Stadium. The first two are basic to any game, but they take on added importance in this game.

The Mules need to control the line of scrimmage and win the turnover take a way battle. Traditionally, Pittsburg State has been built around solid line play on both sides of the ball. UCM needs to try and reestablish the line of scrimmage to allow everything else to work both offensively and defensively. The turnover battle will be very important. I would say whoever wins the turnover battle has a good chance to win the game.

The third key to UCM winning this football game is the defense being assignment sound. The secondary has to continue to do a good job of staying over the top on pass plays. We've all seen that play action pass to tight end more times than I care to remember. The secondary has to read their keys properly and not get caught looking into the backfield, or trying to get up and stop the run. That's when Pittsburg State hits you with that play action pass to the tight end that I've seen way too many times in these games. The Mules must do a good job of defending the option. Everyone has to just do their assignment and try not to do too much. Someone has to have the quarterback and the running back at all times.

The offense has to continue to make good decisions and hold on to the football. The last thing you want to do is give Pittsburg State a short field and a chance to score quickly.

Finally, I think the crowd can have a huge impact on this football team. The UCM fans have to make a lot of noise at the proper time to make Pittsburg State’s life difficult. This is our chance to make a statement about how this year will be different and UCM will be a factor in the conference and the region for the entire season.

I am begging the Mules fans to bring your friends, come early and help cheer the Mules on the victory. So, let's pack Walton Stadium on Saturday. It's time for the Mule faithful to make a stand!