The Central Washington University football team (7-0) will look to keep its perfect record intact when they face perennial powerhouse North Alabama (3-3) tomorrow, Oct. 21 at 1 p.m. in Tomlinson Stadium.
The Wildcats come into ths week ranked 9th in the country after dismantling Western Oregon 42-0 a week ago. After starting the season ranked 6th in the nation, UNA fell out of the top 25 with a 1-3 start, but have rallied to win its last two games to even its record at 3-3.
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ABOUT THE WILDCATS
FEAR THE GREER
When healthy, sophomore defensive lineman Billy Greer might be the Wildcats best pass rusher. Despite missing two games due to injury, Greer has five sacks on the season and has recorded at least one sack in all but one of those games.
HENNESSEY SETS ANOTHER RECORD
Reilly Hennessey has been sharp all season as the Wildcats signal caller, especially in the last three weeks.
Hennessey set a new school record last week, becoming the first Wildcat to throw for five or more touchdowns in three straight games. His 15 touchdowns over the three game span tie a school record shared by Jon Kitna who threw for 7, 4, and 4 touchdowns over three games.
In addition to his 1,543 passing yards and 20 TD passes, the deceptively agile QB has ran for 389 yards and two scores, ranking seventh nationally in touchdowns responsible for.
DOMINANT DEFENSE
The 2017 CWU defense might go down as one of the best in school history if they can stay the course this season.
They rank 9th nationally in terms of total defense, and lead the nation in sacks, and interceptions, while ranking third in rush defense where they allow just 63.6 yards per game. In total, the defense ranks in the top 15 in eight different statistical categories, including: 3rd down conversions (15th), red zone defense (9th), scoring defense (14th), and tackles for loss (4th).
Opponents have yet to gain 400 yards of offense against the Wildcats this season, and only once has CWU allowed a team to rush for over 100 yards.
BRINGING BALANCE TO THE FORCE
In addition to the Wildcats outstanding defensive performance this season, the CWU offense is a force to be reckoned with as well, making the Wildcats a serious threat.
The Wildcats are one of just four NCAA Division II Programs to be ranked in the top 25 in both total offense and defense.
The offense ranks 20th nationally and cracks the top 25 in first downs (9th), 3rd down conversion percentage (8th), rushing offense (12th), sacks allowed (7th), scoring offense (7th), tackles for loss allowed (4th), and time of possession (14th).
ABOUT THE LIONS
North Alabama began 2017 ranked sixth in the preseason coaches' poll after playing in the 2016 National Championship game. However, the Lions lost three of its first four games of the season, dropping out of the top 25 for the first time since 2013.
The Lions, who are transitioning to Division I, have been a powerhouse in Division II and hold the best winning percentage of all teams from the State of Alabama since 1990.
They come into week 8 3-3 after winning their last two meetings against Florida Tech and Shorter where they outscored its opponents 78-7.
The Lions feature a balanced offensive attack, rushing for 152.5 yards per game and passing for 159.8, but has struggled in protection where they have given up 26 sacks on the season. The Wildcats lead all of NCAA DII with 31 sacks, making this matchup one to watch.
North Alabama's strength comes from its defensive unit that is holding its opponents to just 287.8 yards per game, and is especially staunch in the passing game where they allow just 169.3 yards per game.
The Lion defense is led by linebacker Christon Taylor who leads the team with 44 tackles. Taylor also leads the team with three interceptions.
SERIES HISTORY
This will be the first meeting between North Alabama and Central Washington. In fact, this will be the first meeting either school has had against a team from their respected state.
North Alabama has played in the Pacific Northwest in recent years, travelling to Monmouth, Ore. to play Western Oregon in 2015, falling to the Wolves 22-24 in a major upset.
North Alabama has struggled on natural grass fields where they have lost their last five outings dating back to 2013.
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