The Mules (6-2, 4-2 MIAA) did the job in week one of their charge to make the playoffs. UCM went to Joplin and put together a solid effort in defeating the Lions 47-14. I think this was easily the Mules’ best overall team effort thus far in the season.

Junior quarterback Eric Czerniewski was outstanding against the number two pass defense in the country. He fired four touchdown passes on the game. He also totaled 317 yards on the game. Junior wide receiver Tim Richmond had an outstanding game. He caught a pair of touchdown passes and also blocked a punt on special teams.

The Mules’ defense was within a couple plays of securing a shutout. The Mules went plus two in the turnover take away margin. The defense was also forced to make an early adjustment when Southern went to their red-shirt freshman quarterback. This change led to a completely different Southern offensive attack.

As well as the offensive and defensive units played for the Mules on Saturday, the Mules’ Special Forces was the most impressive. These units played the best I've ever seen them. They blocked a punt and blocked a field goal. They recovered a beautifully executed onside kick and stopped a MSSU fake punt attempt, among others plays. The Special Forces unit gave the offense excellent field position all day.

Head coach Willie Fritz has to be happy with the overall effort and execution of his team. Against Northwest the effort was there, but the execution was lacking. I have to give credit to the Mules’ coaching staff and players for the preparation and execution of the game plan against Missouri Southern. The Mules took control of this game from the opening kickoff and never looked back.

However, now the focus changes to UNO. The Mavericks are coming off a 35-28 loss at Pittsburgh State. Even though the Mavericks have three losses, they will be an extremely tough opponent for the Mules.

Scouting Nebraska Omaha

The Mavericks (4-3, 3-3 MIAA) are led by head coach Pat Behrns. UNO returns six starters on offense and seven on defense. The Mavericks are making their first trip to Warrensburg as a member of the MIAA.

The UNO offense is led by a pair of seniors. Quarterback Zach Miller keys the passing attack. He has thrown for 986 yards and seven touchdowns. Miller also plays a key part in the Maverick rushing attack. He is his team's second-leading rusher with 642 yards and 10 touchdowns.

Brian McNeill leads the UNO ground game with 169 carries, 1,001 yards and nine touchdowns. McNeill also has four catches on the season. UNO has three receivers with double figures in receptions. Senior Troy Kush leads them with 27 catches. Senior Keith Eloi has 19 receptions and 259 yards. Sophomore tight end Mike Higgins has 12 catches and two touchdowns.

The UNO defense is led by senior linebacker Jeff Souder. He has a team-leading 45 tackles, four for loss. Senior linebacker Jacob Skow has contributed 44 tackles, six for loss and two sacks. Sophomore defensive lineman Justin Sindelar has a team-leading three sacks. Senior defensive back Taylor Reed has picked off a team-leading two passes.

Keys to the Game

I think there are four keys to the game for the Mules. First, the Mules must slow down the Nebraska Omaha running game. The Mavericks have two of the leading rushers in the conference in Miller and McNeill. The Mules’ defense must be assignment sound in defending the option.

Second, the Mules must win the turnover battle. This is important at any level of football. Third, the Mules’ must continue to improve their special team’s play, as well as the offensive line play.

Finally, the UCM crowd must make themselves a factor in this game. This is Homecoming so the crowd should be big anyway, but this is also one of the biggest football games hosted at Walton Stadium in the last several years. The crowd needs to make a ton of noise when the Mules are on defense. I have one last request of the Mules’ fans, we need to show up, bring friends and be loud! Let's pack the stadium and help push the Mules over the top in this very important game!