Week 6 Game Notes: 3-2 Cardinals Play Host to Fifth Ranked Saint Xavier
QB, TYLER FEHLER VIDEO INTERVIEW
(Ann Arbor, MI) The Concordia University Football team will take on a NAIA top 25 ranked team for the second consecutive week. Last Saturday, CUAA fell to the University of Saint Francis by a score of 12-3 (Game Recap). Concordia currently has a 3-2 overall record and is 1-0 in the Mid-States Football Association Conference. The MSFA Crossover game features a Cougar team ranked 5th in the NAIA with a 4-1 overall record and 1-0 in the MSFA.
GAME INFO
Saint Xavier University (4-1) at Concordia University (3-2)
Saturday, Oct. 10 | 1:00PM EST
Site: Ann Arbor, MI
Stadium: Cardinal Stadium
Last Meeting (October 27, 2012): Saint Xavier won – 54-10
STATISTICAL BREAKDOWN
2015 Team Statistics
Concordia (NAIA Rankings)
Offensive PPG: 23.0 (N/A)
Defensive PPG: 21.4 (21st)
Total Offense: 382.2 (40th)
Pass Offense: 173.4 (N/A)
Rush Offense: 208.8 (21st)
Pass Defense: 274.0 (N/A)
Rush Defense: 136.2 (30th)
Concordia Individual Leaders
Passing: Seth Suida (SO/Livonia, MI) – 59/120 (.492), 7 TD, 4 INT, 832 yds, 120.0 effic.
Rushing: Seth Suida- 102 att, 406 yds, 4.0 avg, 2 TD
Ashton Gray (JR/Detroit, MI) 61 att, 306 yds, 5.0 avg. 5 TD
Receiving: Corey Turner (SR/Woodhaven, MI)– 22 rec, 272 yds, 12.4 avg, 3 TD
Herman Mason (SO/Lansing, MI) 10 rec, 236 yds, 23.6 avg, 2 TD
Defense: Taylor Lemanski (JR/Monroe, MI)– 40 total tackles, 5.0 tfl
Defense: Andrew O' Hara – 58 total tackles, 18 solo, 5.5 tfl, 1 INT
Defense: Nick Holshoe (JR/Hopkins, MI)– 51 total tackles, 4 INT
Scouting Saint Xavier
Entering Saturday, Saint Xavier will come to Ann Arbor with one of the most potent air attacks in the nation. They are ranked fifth in total pass offense with 1,713 yards, and average 342.6 yards per game by way of the pass. Quarterback John Rhode works with a fresh set of downs often as they are 18th in the nation with 23.2 first downs per game. Overall the Cougars average 435 yards per game. Rhode is second in the nation with 1,751 total offensive yards on the year and second with 350.2 yards per game. His favorite target is Stephen Simms who is leading the nation in receptions with 40 and ranks second in receptions per game with 8. Wide out Ryan Carroll also tops the reception list in the nation with 37 on the year and is 4th in the nation with 7.4 per game.
Coach Pries on St. Xavier: "They are one of the elite teams in NAIA. Defensively, they are solid, strong and they fly around to the football. We have to take what they give us and not get in a shootout with them."
Key Matchups
After holding a strong offense in the University of Saint Francis to 12 points and 290 total yards, the Cards will look to continue their hot hand. A key matchup to watch will be the defensive backs for the Cardinals as they look to slow down the passing attack of SXU. The Cardinals will look to add pressure from Hunter Cox (JR/Laurel, MD) who is currently 4th in the nation with five total sacks. Nick Holshoe will look to add to his team leading 4 interceptions that puts him 6th in the country.
Around the League
Concordia remains in second place for the third straight week in the MSFA Mideast League. Saint Francis (IN) continues to own the top spot while Marian and Siena Heights flipped slots for the week 6 action. Taylor picked up their first conference victory over Missouri Baptist who remains in the last spot this week while Lindenwood-Belleville sits one above Missouri Baptist. This week's big matchups that may affect the standings are Siena Heights traveling to Saint Francis (IN) and Marian traveling to Taylor.
For complete coverage of Cardinal Football, follow @CUAA_Football on Twitter or visit the official home of Concordia University Athletics at www.ConcordiaCardinals.com. You can also check out the official Twitter account of Concordia University Ann Arbor @CUAACardinals for live updates on all Concordia Athletics.
