Lebanon, IL - The McKendree University Football team (0-1, 0-0 GLVC) returns home to the confines of Leemon Field on Saturday, September 6th at 12:00 PM, hosting the Chargers from Hillsdale College (0-0, 0-0 GMAC) in a GMAC/GLVC crossover battle. The Bearcats are looking to bounce back after an opening weekend loss at FCS DI (RV) Indiana State, while the Chargers begin their 2025 season in what promises to be a competitive clash on McKendree University's Community Day. 

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SERIES HISTORY
This matchup is just the second all-time meeting between the schools. McKendree claimed the lone other contest back on September 16th, 2017, defeating Hillsdale 24-21 on the road. The Bearcats rallied after trailing 21-17 midway through the third quarter, with a late defensive stand sealing the program's only win in the series. 

McKENDREE OUTLOOK
The Bearcats opened the season last Thursday night at Indiana State, hanging tough for much of the game before falling, 41-24. Quarterback Ty Michael provided a bright spot, throwing for 115 yards and two second-half touchdowns. His connections with Quincy Hall Jr. and Brylan Apholone helped cut into the deficit and showcased the balance McKendree hopes to carry into Week 1. 

Running back Eddie Clark headlines the ground game after a 74-yard performance in Week 0. Defensively, Mylan Nettles anchored the secondary, leading the team in total tackles in Terre Haute, while linebacker Logan Turbyfill and defensive end Dameion Hatten both look to build off of strong performances against Indiana State. Special teams will also be a factor, with Chase Reeves coming off a Week 0 effort that saw him average over 60 yards per kickoff and over 40 yards per punt. 

The Bearcats' biggest point of emphasis will be cleaning up execution after conceding big plays in Week 0. Head Coach Jason Rejfek has praised his team's physicality in interviews, but adds that he knows consistency will determine success against Hillsdale. 

HILLSDALE OUTLOOK
Hillsdale enters fresh, playing its first game of 2025. The Chargers are guided by second-year head coach Nate Shreffler, a program mainstay who spent 13 seasons as offensive coordinator before being promoted. Shreffler's reputation for producing high-powered offenses, especially through the passing game, gives Hillsdale plenty of confidence. 

Two standouts headling the roster. On offense, Shea Ruddy returns as an All-American wide receiver who ranked among the nation's leaders in all purpose yards last fall, scoring multiple kickoff return touchdowns along the way. On defense, linebacker Jacob Vance has led the team in tackles the past two seasons and enters 2025 as a D2Football.com Elite 100 watch list member. 

Statistically, the Chargers were solid defensively last year, ranking top three in the GMAC in scoring defense (20.1 ppg) and total defense (304.2 ypg). McKendree, meanwhile, finished third in the GLVC in total defense at 327.8 yards allowed per game and was also effective on third down defense. 

The Chargers are looking to shake off a trend of slow Septembers. Over the past two seasons, Hillsdale has gone just 1-8 in the month of September, compared to 11-2 across October and November. A strong opener on the road could set the tone for a breakthrough season. 

TALE OF THE TAPE
McKendree showed offensive flashes against FCS competition, but allowed 41 points in Week 0. The Bearcats will rely on balance, hoping Clark and the run game open space for Michael through the air. 

Hillsdale brings a veteran squad with playmakers on both sides. Ruddy and Vance are proven difference-makers, while a retooled offensive line led by captain Carter Cushman looks to control the trenches.

WHAT TO WATCH
EXPLOSIVE PLAYS - Ruddy's ability to flip the field as a receiver and returner versus McKendree's coverage units

QUARTERBACK DUEL - Ty Michael's poise against Indiana State bodes well, and he will look to continue that against Hillsdale's defensive front, anchored by Drake Badger, who had seven sacks last season

FIRST QUARTER TONE - Hillsdale's September struggles make the opening 15 minutes critical. An early McKendree lead at Leemon Field could put added pressure on the Chargers. 

HE SAID IT - QUOTES FROM COACH JASON REJFEK
On the post-Indiana State evaluation process
"Pretty similar. Once again, it's a loss. A lot of opportunities out there to clean some things up. I'm telling our guys, it all starts out here (practice). If we practice the right way, we're going to put ourselves in a good position to compete. There's a lot of really good things on film."

On carrying over physicality from Week 0 to Week 1
"The big thing was, I thought our offensive and defensive lines did a really good job. Obviously, we get a mini bye week with the extra day in there. We've gotten more physical over the last couple days. We have to continue to accelerate through contact. We have to be able to make better tackles. Way too many missed tackles."

On the efforts of Chase Reeves after his 60+ yard kickoffs and 40+ yard punts
"Chase did some good things. We gotta get the young man in shape - he got some cramps as the game went on. So if we can keep him healthy and keep his legs underneath him, he's going to be a weapon for us."

On the game week vibes before a home opener
"Well, it's going to be at noon, so it's going to be a different kick. But you know? There's nothing better than playing at Leemon Field. For a place like this, a place like McKendree is, with all the sports that we have here on campus, we're expecting to get as big of a crowd as we possibly can. It's a great atmosphere. Our guys will be able to generate a ton of energy from the fans."