The Urbana University football team is looking to regroup on the road against Charleston following a heartbreaking loss last week. Kickoff between the Blue Knights (2-5) and Golden Eagles (2-5) will happen at 1 p.m. Saturday inside University of Charleston Stadium.
UU led 20-7 over West Virginia Wesleyan last week in the fourth quarter before the Bobcats took advantage of UU miscues to stun the Blue Knights, 21-20. WVWC scored with 16 seconds left after trailing for over 54 minutes in the contest.
Despite the narrow defeat, UU performed well with 399 total yards on offense. Cale Burdyshaw completed 22 of 30 passes for 309 yards and three touchdowns, but a late fumble and interception proved costly.
Wide receiver Trevon Saunders remains the biggest target after hauling two more touchdown passes last week, totaling six catches for 88 yards. Saunders has recorded a TD catch in 12 of the past 14 games, and is tied for third in the nation with 11 on the year.
UU enters the Week 8 matchup averaging 24 points per game and has scored 16 times in 23 trips inside the red zone. Opponents are averaging 100 more yards than the Blue Knights on offense, but the real focus for UU will be improving its pressure on opposing quarterbacks. The Blue Knights have just six total sacks on the yard while surrendering 24 to opposing defenses.
After going 10-2 a year ago, advancing to the NCAA playoffs, and being voted third in the MEC preseason poll, Charleston has struggled to a 2-5 record this season. The Golden Eagles are coming off two straight losses, most recently falling to undefeated Fairmont State in a close contest, 21-13.
The Golden Eagles are also averaging 24 points per game, and have played three quarterbacks this season that have combined to throw eight touchdowns and 11 interceptions. UC’s strength lies within its rushing attack, where it averages 196 yards per game. UC pounded the ball last year to the tune of 214 rushing yards in a 37-12 triumph over UU.
Urbana has not defeated Charleston since the 2013 season (24-21).
