Alfred State - Concordia Game Preview

Alfred State (0-1) @ Concordia (MI) University  (0-1)

Saturday, September 14, 2013 * 1 p.m.

Ypslanti, MI on the campus of Eastern Michigan

Last meeting:

First Meeting between the two colleges

Last Week:         Alfred State lost 55-0 @ Ohio Northern

                            Concordia lost 57-6 @ Trinity International

Players to watch:

Alfred State:

Rasheed Williams: Sr. RB 6-1, 215 (Swedesboro, NJ)

Tavon Moore: Sr. WR 5-9, 160 (Syracuse, NY)

Keegan Phalen: Jr. LB/P 6-2, 205 (East Aurora, NY)

Brett Harrington: Sr. CB 6-1, 185 (Rochester, NY)

Concordia University:

Tyler Steele: So. QB 6-1, 203 (Garden City, MI)

Corey Turner: So. WR 6-2, 210 (Woodhaven, MI)

Tom Greenwood: Sr. P 6-3, 200 (Farmington, MI)

Takari Johnson: Jr. LB 6-1, 225 (Lansing, MI)

Gabe Cox: Jr. LB 5-11, 238 (Laurel, MD)

Key matchup:

The Pioneers continue their season opening three-game road trip with a contest with the Cardinals from Concordia University.  The game will be played at Eastern Michigan University.

Alfred State turned the ball over three times resulting in 21 points last week with two interceptions returned for scores.  The Pioneers also struggled on 3^rd down finishing 3 of 17.  Alfred accumulated 140 yards of offense while giving up 341.

Concordia was sacked six times and threw one interception in their season opener.  The Cardinals were also just 3 for 17 on 3^rd down conversions.  Concordia accumulated only 94 yards of total offense while giving up 488. 

Alfred State rushed the ball 49 times last week and attempted just 16 pass plays while Concordia attempted just 27 rushes and attempted 39 passes.

Rory Spain led the defense last week with eight tackles (seven solo) while Rasheed Williams recorded 55 yards on 23 carries.  Punter Keegan Phalen was named USCAA special team's player of the week after averaging 39.5 yards per punt (11 punts).

Game notes:

• Concordia is a member of the NAIA and play in the Wolverine Hoosier Athletic Conference.  They are coached by Lonnie Pries who is in his first year.  The whole coaching staff is new for 2013 for the Cardinals after the 2012 team finished 0-9.
• Live video courtesy of Concordia: http://www.meridix.com/everywhere.php?liveid=cuannarbor
• The Pioneers traveled 777 miles roundtrip to Ada, OH last week and will now travel 804 to Ypsilanti, MI.  Alfred continues on the road next week when they travel to Bangor, ME to take on Husson College (650 miles away).