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University of Nebraska - Kearney Athletics

Corbey R. Dorsey

Game 11 Preview: Season Finale in Topeka

11/9/2018 6:06:00 AM

Kearney, Neb. – The 2018 season comes to close this Saturday for the Nebraska-Kearney football team. The Lopers, for a second straight year, play the Washburn Ichabods in Topeka.

Kickoff is set for 1 p.m. from Yager Stadium; check the Loper schedule page for media links.

UNK (4-6) has suffered four losses by a total of 21 points while WU (5-5) has dropped two games by a combined nine points. Both squads lost their only overtime games this fall. 

GAME NOTES/DEPTH CHARTS
Nebraska-Kearney Washburn


The Lopers haven't tasted victory against Washburn since 1985, a 21-16 decision at Foster Field. WU has taken the last nine meetings by an average score of 35-15. That includes last year's 60-28 win in which UNK actually out gained the 'Bods by 71 yards. However, two special teams and one defensive touchdown helped WU jet out to a 39-0 halftime lead. Kearney still has a 14-12 all-time series lead.
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Washburn is among the league's top passing teams thanks to one of the top receivers in NCAA Division II. Senior James Brania-Hopp ranks sixth nationally in yards per game (110.8) thanks to 58 receptions for 1,108 yards and eight TD's. He is the only MIAA receiver to reach 1k in receiving yards so far and also returned a kickoff 99 yards for a score in last week's 40-23 win at Pittsburg State.

Sophomore Mitch Schurig, son of longtime WU head coach Craig Schurig, is now the starting quarterback. He has made seven starts and has 16 TD's to nine INT's. Backup Ian Trapp is more of a runner and ranks fourth on the team in yards per carry (4.6). On the ground, a banged backfield turned to linebacker Garret Barnett Kruger to be the top ball carrier last Saturday.

Overall, Washburn is at 30 points and 400 yards per week. They convert 70% on fourth down and have tallied 60% of its points in the first half.

A fast and veteran defense has picked off 12 passes and is allowing 25 points and 371 yards per game. Having some struggles in the second quarter the 'Bods are led by 2017 All-American safety Corey Ballentine. He has three INT's for 47 yards, broken up another four passes, blocked three kicks and ranks fourth on the team in tackles (40).

Next, senior ILB's Austin Tillman and Derrick McGreevy, both Topeka natives, rank 1-2 in tackles. Their combined total of 187 includes 14 TFL's. Finally, senior Perry Schmiedeler is the rare player who punts (42.0 avg.), kicks off (60.2 avg.; 22 touchbacks) and place kicks (37 of 39 PAT's & 8 of 14 field goals).

Looking for its third road win this fall, UNK comes in averaging 268 yards on the ground with 29 TD's. The Lopers have been one of NCAA Division II's top rushing squads all season with the 29 TD's tied for fourth most in school history.

32784Individually, junior back Darrius Webb (Allentown, Pa.) needs 79 yards to record the 15th 1,000 rushing yard season in Loper lore. Only Ricky Trinidad, in 2012, has reached four figures on the ground in UNK's MIAA era (2012-present).

Webb (145) and QB Alex McGinnis (148) have combined for 54% of the team's carries this season. Six Lopers are averaging at least 6.0 yards per carry with the team average being a solid 5.0.

Redshirt freshman slot receiver Montrez Jackson (22.5) and Webb (21.5) have helped UNK's kick return team rank third in the MIAA. Fifth-year junior Luke Quinn (Scottsdale, Ariz.) has had punt returns of 24 and 27 yards, respectively, over the last two weeks with junior Kendall Raschein (Red Bluff, Calif.) and true freshman Brian Covarrubias (Grand Island) being among the MIAA's top punters and place kickers.

Raschein is averaging 41.6 in 39 punt attempts while seeing 40% of his kickoffs result in touchbacks. Covarrubias has the second most made field goals (11) in the league and has made 32 of 34 PAT's. 

Defensively, UNK has allowed 22 points and 332 yards per game. Forcing 11 turnovers, the Lopers are allowing a 34% conversion rate on third down, an improvement of eight points from two years ago.

Senior starters Famous McKinnon (CB), Tye Spies (DE), Cliffond Taylor (OLB) and Malik Webb (CB) will all play their final games this weekend. They've combined for 148 tackles, 15.5 TFL's and 17 PBU's to date.

UNK's 2019 season opener is set for Thursday, September 5 at Missouri Southern State. The home opener comes a week later vs. Central Oklahoma.
 
 

 
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