Game Notes
JACKSON, Miss.-The Belhaven football team returns home on Saturday to host the University of the Cumberlands (KY) in a Mid-South Conference cross divisional battle at H.T. Newell Field. The Blazers, ranked 21^st in the NAIA Preseason Coaches' Top 25 Poll, suffered a 38-7 setback at Louisiana College last week. The Patriots enter the weekend ranked 8^th in the nation and are 2-0 after defeating Cumberland (TN) 41-10 last week.

Blazer Bits
Game 3: Belhaven (1-1) vs. University of the Cumberlands (KY) (2-0), Saturday September 14, 6:00 PM, in Jackson, Mississippi. Last Meeting: Cumberlands won 21-10 on September 1, 2012 in Williamsburg, Ky.

Radio: Listen Live and follow live stats at blazers.belhaven.edu Powered by Stretch Internet GameCentral on the Blazers Sports Network

Coaches: Joe Thrasher (Belhaven-5^th Season), John Bland (University of the Cumberlands 8^th Season)

Series vs. Cumberlands (BU leads 6-5): This will be the 12^th meeting between the Blazers and Patriots.

Quick Stat: Junior defensive back Brennan Dunklin grabbed another interception last week against Louisiana College and now owns three on the season. He nearly had four if not for a Blazer penalty that took it off the board. Dunklin not only leads Belhaven in interceptions, but also the NAIA. In addition to his interceptions, Dunklin has three solo tackles on the year.

Player to Watch: One bright spot last week was junior running back Aaron Spikes, who saw his first extended playing time of the season. Spikes took last year off to recover from an injury, but the effects didn't show on Saturday. Spikes carried the ball 18 times for 73 yards and averaged 4.1 yards per carry.

Tale of the Tape: The Cumberlands offense has been nearly unstoppable in the first two games of the season. The Patriots are averaging 502 yards per game with 378 of them coming on the ground. Cumberlands doesn't put the ball in the air much, but are effective when they do averaging 124 yards per game.

The Blazers offense has been slowed a bit by injuries in the first two games, but hope the pieces fall into place this week. Belhaven is averaging 257.5 yards per game in total offense. The majority of the yardage has been through the air at 145 yards per game. The ground attack is churning out 112 yards per game so far this year.

Key to the Contest: The winner of Saturday's game could very well be determined by whoever wins the battle in the trenches. The Blazers defensive line has to find a way to stop the Patriots powerful running game and the offensive line must open some running lanes for the stable of Belhaven running backs. The team that runs the ball and controls the line of scrimmage will have the inside track to victory on Saturday.

For a closer inside look at this week's matchup, fans can click on the game notes link above. Media coverage this weekend includes live play-by-by play audio and live stats on the Blazers Sports Network. Fans can access the broadcast and live stats by clicking here. Follow Belhaven Athletics on Twitter and get score updates throughout the game. Kickoff is slated for 6:00 PM.