Lebanon, IL - The McKendree University Football team returns to Leemon Field this weekend for its first home conference matchup of the season, welcoming William Jewell on Saturday, September 27th. Kickoff is scheduled for 3:00 PM in Lebanon, where the Bearcats (0-3, 0-1 GLVC) look to break through against the Cardinals (2-1, 0-1 GLVC).
HOW TO FOLLOW THE GAME
Watch Live ($) (GLVCSN)
Live Stats (Sidearm Sports)
Tickets (UniversityTickets)
SERIES HISTORY
The programs have met every year since 2012, with McKendree holding an 11-1 advantage in the series. Jewell snapped the Bearcats' winning streak with a 45-14 victory last fall in Liberty, while McKendree claimed the 2023 meeting at Leemon Field. Saturday marks the 13th all-time matchup and seventh in Lebanon.
McKENDREE OUTLOOK
The Bearcats are looking to rebound after dropping their GLVC opener at nationally-ranked UIndy, 47-19. Quarterback
Ty Michael paced the offense with 224 yards passing and a touchdown strike to
Quincy Hall Jr., while running back
Eddie Clark added 70 yards on the ground and a 19-yard score.
On defense,
Nick Bova collected 10 tackles and a sack, with
Robert Frank contributing a first-quarter safety.
Logan Turbyfill and
Dameion Hatten have been among the league's most disruptive defenders, combining for 10 tackles for loss and five sacks through the first three games.
Special teams have provided steady production, as
Chase Reeves averages 41 yards per punt and has connected on three field goals this season.
SCOUTING WILLIAM JEWELL
The Cardinals arrive in Lebanon after a 29-19 loss at Southwest Baptist. Quarterback Tyler Kubat threw for 214 yards and a touchdown, while running back MicahJo Barnett rushed for 86 yards. Barnett currently leads the GLVC in both rushing touchdowns (4) and yards per game (98.0).
Jewell's defense has made headlines early in the year, ranking first in Division II in turnovers gained (12) and fumbles recovered (8). Derrick Von Hubbard leads the GLVC in sacks, while Ben Murawski and Jonny Williams provide consistent play in the secondary and linebacker corps. On special teams, kicker/punter Bleu Renfrow is ranked top 15 nationally in both punting and field goal percentage.
TALE OF THE TAPE
William Jewell enters the weekend averaging 33.7 points per game while allowing 21.3. McKendree has averaged 20.0 points, with Clark leading the ground attack and Michael heading up the passing game.
Both teams feature defenses capable of changing momentum. The Bearcats rank among the nation's leaders in sacks and tackles for loss, while Jewell has forced turnovers at one of the highest clips in Division II.
WHAT'S AT STAKE
Saturday's contest gives McKendree the opportunity to reset on its home turf and build momentum heading into the heart of GLVC play. The Cardinals face their second straight road conference test, while the Bearcats aim to protect Leemon Field and notch their first win of the season.
