Corbey R. Dorsey

Game 5 Preview: #12/15 Lopers Hope to Catch a Tiger by the Tail

10/1/2021 5:00:00 AM

Kearney, Neb. – The No. 12/15 Nebraska-Kearney football team looks to end another streak when it travels to longtime rival Fort Hays State Saturday night.

With possible rain in the forecast, kick off from Lewis Field Stadium is set for 7 p.m. This will be UNK's third and final night contest of the 2021 season and the first of three "Homecoming" games it'll take part in this October (Oct. 9 vs. Missouri Western; Oct. 30 at Northwest Missouri). Fans not in attendance can watch via The MIAA Network, listen to KRVN 93.1/106.9 FM or following along with live stats.

Riding a seven-game winning streak, it's longest such streak in 11 years, the Lopers (4-0) are aiming to not only spoil the Tigers party but also stop an eight-game series skid. This will be the 67th all-time meeting between the two with UNK ahead 34-31-1.

Thanks to its current win streak in the series, Hays (2-2) is the only team in the MIAA era (2012-present) UNK hasn't beaten. The Lopers have led at the half in four of the eight setbacks but the Tigers used a strong final 30 minutes, plus two overtimes in 2018, to record the victory each season.

Since 2019 Kearney has ended a bunch of streaks; first win over Northwest Missouri State in 29 years, first win at Emporia State in 36 seasons, first back-to-back wins at Pittsburg State since 1982-83, first win over Central Missouri in nine years and the first winning MIAA season in school history. Blake Schroeder

To snap another suck streak, UNK might have to be the "Last Minute Lopers" once again. The Blue & Gold edged both Washburn, 28-24, and UCM, 31-28, with touchdowns in the final minute while also rallying from a 17-7 halftime deficit at Pitt. UNK has tallied 51 percent of its 125 points in the fourth quarter while allowing zero points in the third.

The defense will look to slow down one of the MIAA's top passers in fifth-year junior Chance Fuller. He has over 5,000 passing yards and 51 TD's in his career which includes 435 yards and three scores in a 37-31 win over UNK in 2019. The Lopers trailed 23-10 at the break and got within six late but the Tigers converted two third downs to run out the clock.

A talented receiving corps includes receivers Manny Ramsey (#6), Monterio Burchfield (#8) and tight end Hunter Budke (#88) with the line featuring a 400-pound right tackle and a 335-pounder at left tackle. Finally, transfer Tristan Tucker (#1) and sophomore Adrian Soto (#20) combine for 135 rushing yards a week.

UNK's defense currently is second in the league in pass efficiency (117.8) thanks to a completion percentage of 52.7. Redshirt junior safety Darius Swanson (Aurora, Colo.) is tied for the team lead in pass breakups (three) and tackles for loss (3.5) while ranking first in both total tackles (33) and solo stops (17). Corners Gabriel Amegatcher (Romeoville, Ill.), Jaylen Perkins (Omaha NW) and Terrell Williams (Miami) have combined for seven PBU's, one interception and 27 tackles. Pressure wise, junior OLB Atoatasi Fox (San Diego) and senior end Blake Schroeder (Holdrege) have UNK's two sacks with seven others having a QB hurry.

Quinn Brummer

UNK's offense leads the MIAA in three categories and ranks second in three others. That includes rushing yards per game (272.8), passing efficiency (170.9) and time of possession (34:18). Hays, which gave up only 15 points to No. 2 NW Missouri in its season-opener, is allowing just a 37 percent conversion rate on the third down and has forced six fumbles.

The top rushing QB in all of college football (four NCAA Divisions plus the NAIA), redshirt junior QB TJ Davis (Colorado Springs), hopes to move to 12-3 all-time as a starter. He's about to become the 11th Loper to reach 2,000 career rushing yards (1,924) as he has rushed for a TD in 14 straight games. In the air, Davis is completing 64% of his attempts for 187 yards per game, 115 more than two falls ago.

Redshirt junior receivers Michael Koch (Columbus) and Cody Nelson (Albion) have combined for 18 catches, 349 yards and four TD's with 10 other Lopers having at least one reception. Finally on special teams, redshirt junior Hunter Kraus (Sargent) is at 38.1 yards a boot to help UNK rank fourth in the conference in net punting (36.5 avg.).

The Missouri Western State Griffons (2-2) come to Cope Stadium next Saturday. The Griffs host Northwest (3-0) Saturday at 6 p.m.

UNK Weekly Release/Depth Chart & Roster

FHSU Weekly Release/Depth Chart & Roster

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