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University of Nebraska - Kearney Athletics

Thomas Tews
Todd Gottula

Football

Game 6 Preview: #24/14 Lopers Visit the Griffons

Football

Game 6 Preview: #24/14 Lopers Visit the Griffons

Kearney, Neb. – The now 24th/14th-ranked Nebraska Kearney football team heads back out on the road this Saturday to take on the Missouri Western State Griffons.

It's "Homecoming" in St. Joseph with an unusual kickoff time of 4 p.m. Those not attendance can listen live (The River 93.1/106.9 KRVN FM), watch live (The MIAA Network) or follow along with live stats. Atoa Fox Tackle

UNK (4-1) leads the all-time series 19-12 and has won of three of the last four meetings including the past two over the Griffons (2-3). Last fall in Kearney, the Lopers scored 28 second half points en route to a 35-14 victory. Quarterback TJ Davis (Colorado Springs) threw three touchdown passes with corner Gabriel Amegatcher (Romeoville, Ill.) recovering a fumbled punt in the end zone. 

That game saw QB Reagan Jones (6-0, 200 lbs.) play the entire second half for the Griffs. Becoming the full-time starter by year's end, the sophomore finished with 53 passing and 99 rushing yards. The dual threat QB has thrown five TD passes this year and is the team's second leading rusher (304 yards).  

Back Brandon Hall, with nearly 1,000 career rush yards, was the 2021 MIAA Freshman of the Year with another back, junior Jared Scott, a threat as well. Not surprisingly, MWSU ranks second (215.2 ypg) behind UNK (274.8) in rushing yards per game. Both are also among the league leaders in time of possession (31 minutes). The line is led by 2021 All-MIAA right guard Evan Clark (6-2, 295 lbs.) with 5-10, 160-pound receiver Cooper Burton earning all-league honors last year as well. He also is a dangerous return man.

UNK Football 2022Defensively, a veteran-secondary paces a unit that allows the third fewest first downs per game (17.4) in the MIAA. Senior safety Kobe Cummings (6-0, 205 lbs.) is coming off an All-MIAA season as is junior tackle Brandon Johnson (6-4, 295 lbs.). Linebackers Isaac Wallace (37) and safety Domanic Chapa (31) leads in tackles with Mo West allowing opponent QB's to complete just 55% of their passes.

At the midpoint of the year, UNK is one of 10 Super Region 3 teams in the AFCA (American Football Coaches Assoc.) Top 29. Thirteen region teams have zero or one loss with the all-important region rankings coming out later this month.

The Lopers lead the MIAA in seven categories including fewest penalties (39.8 ypg) and fourth down conversions (100%; 6 for 6) while ranking fourth in D2 in rushing yards per game. Four players have at least 100 rushing yards and reached the end zone with five having at least 12 carries.

In the pass game, UNK has attempted the fewest passes in the league (58) but ranks first in pass efficiency (119.8). A quarter of the team's completions have been TD's with nearly 30% of the completions gaining at least 24 yards.

Defensively, the Lopers are allowing just 3.4 yards per rush, have five INT's and 22 pass break ups, 10 sacks and 22 TFL's (non-sacks). Finally, the special teams lead the MIAA in kickoffs (61.3 avg.) and are second in net punting (40.7).

The Lopers host Emporia State (3-2) next Saturday during "Fall Break". The game kicks off at 1 p.m. with the Hornets facing Central Missouri this week.

 
UNK Release/Depth Chart & Roster
MWSU Release/Depth Chart & Roster

 
 
 
 
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Players Mentioned

Gabriel Amegatcher

#15 Gabriel Amegatcher

CB
6' 3"
Redshirt Senior
TJ Davis

#2 TJ Davis

QB
6' 3"
Redshirt Senior

Players Mentioned

Gabriel Amegatcher

#15 Gabriel Amegatcher

6' 3"
Redshirt Senior
CB
TJ Davis

#2 TJ Davis

6' 3"
Redshirt Senior
QB