Alfred State (0-5) at Dean (1-4)

Saturday, October 8, 2016 * Noon

Franklin, MA - Longley Field

17th meeting, 1st in NCAA competition: Dean leads all-time series 14-2

Last meeting: 2010 - Dean 27 Alfred State 14

2016 Averages:         

ASC Offense: 9.6 points per game, 218.2 ypg (72 rushing & 146.2 passing)

ASC Defense: 41.2 points per game, 438.4 ypg (253.8 rushing & 184.6 passing)

Players to watch:

Last Time Out: 

• Alfred State had a solid 2nd half but couldn't rally all the way back from an early deficit and fell 24-8 to Apprentice. Dashon Tuner was 14 for 25 for 185 yards for the Pioneers. Dante Jordan had four catches for 95 yards while Khris Greggs (Rochester/Aquinas) had 46 yards receiving on five catches and 28 yards rushing. Steven Hubick (Fountain Hills, AZ) and Brandon Davis (Lansing) continued to lead the Pioneer defense. Hubick had 16 tackles (seven solo) while Davis had 15 and recovered a fumble. Hubick was named the USCAA defensive player of the week for his effort.
• Costly turnovers cost Dean as they battled Hudson Valley CC last week. HVCC capitalized on two fumbles in handing Dean a 15-12 loss in the Family Day game.  Germaine Everett-Williams and Justin White scored for Dean, and Trent Waters won the Butch Williams award for his play on defense.

History between Teams:

• The Pioneers and Bulldogs last met in 2010 as members of the NJCAA and the Northeast Football Conference. Dean won the last meeting 27-14. 
• Alfred State is currently in their 4th year competing at the NCAA DIII level while Dean is just beginning the process to joining DIII of the NCAA. Both teams will begin play in the Eastern Collegiate Football Conference last year. This game marks the start of annual contest between the two teams.

Common Opponents:

• Alfred State and Dean have both played Husson thus far this season. Both team's struggled slowing down the Husson offense and fell to the Eagles.
• Both teams also play Apprentice. The Pioneers battled the Builders at home last week while the Bulldogs travel to Newport News, VA on October 22nd to compete with Apprentice.

Scouting the Pioneers:

• The Pioneers will look to build on the momentum of the 2nd half last week. The offense put together two long drives while the defense was able to keep the Builders off the board in the 2nd half.
• The defense needs to get off the field. The defense has only six sacks on the season and has forced just five turnovers. Pioneer opponents are converting 62% of 3rd downs and has scored in 76% of their trips into the red zone.
• freshmen Dashon Turner continues to look more and more comfortable at the QB position. He has weapons around him (Khris Greggs, Josh Ashley, Dante Jordan, & Hezekiah Williamson) and has been able to make some plays. His continued development will be to the 2nd half of the 2016 season. 
• The kickoff return team has talent on it to make a big play. The duo of Khris Greggs and Josh Ashley have the ability to break a long return.

Scouting the Bulldogs:

• Not much is known on the Bulldogs.
• The Bulldogs are coached by 1st year head coach Steve Tirrell who took over for long time coach Todd Vasey. Vasey is now the the athletic director.

Up Next:

• Alfred State hosts Buffalo State next weekend at 1 p.m. The game is part of Homecoming 2016. Homecoming 2016 begins on Friday (10/14) with volleyball games starting at 3 p.m., the homecoming spirit rally/bonfire/fireworks starting at 7:30 p.m., and Midnight Madness from 11 p.m. - 2 a.m. A 5k run, alumni wrestling and lacrosse events start the day on Saturday and following the homecoming football game the Pioneer soccer teams battle SUNY ESF. The swimming team also dives into their season on Saturday evening as well.
• Dean host Bryant University JV next week.