Martin Luther College Football

Veni, Vidi, Vici?

Coach Hussman leads his troops to the biggest division battle of the season

The Knights come into Saturday's game firing on all cylinders. Riding a three-game winning streak, the Knights look to make it to number four against UM-Morris. UM-Morris remains the Knights biggest obstacle en route to a Dome Day Championship game.

The Knights had its best game of the season against Northwestern last Saturday. The 21-6 victory has the Knights' confidence soaring. Junior running back Joel Russow rushed for 159 yards, his best performance of the season. If the MLC career rushing leader can continue to couple his production with the emergence of junior quarterback Dan Lange and the #2 passing attack in the UMAC, the Knights will continue to string together victories.

Senior Aaron Krause continues to punish opposing quarterbacks. With a sack against Northwestern, Krause has tallied 5 sacks in the past three games and leads the UMAC in sacks. The defense will need to put out one of its best performances of the year if they want to slow down the potent Cougars offense. The Cougars has the #1 ranked scoring offense in the UMAC.

UM-Morris quickly put last Saturday's game to rest, scoring 28 points in the first quarter en route to a 42-0 shutout victory over Blackburn. Big plays were key for UM-Morris, as four Cougar touchdowns came on plays of 40 yards or more. The Cougars finished the day with 685 total yards on offense.

Last year the Knights got the upper hand on UM-Morris, defeating the Cougars 34-28. In the first minute of the game, Knights quarterback Dan Lange ran for a 60-yard touchdown, giving the Knights the only lead it would ever need. The Knights held off a late fourth quarter Cougar rally, holding UM-Morris scoreless over the final six and a half minutes remaining in the game, giving the Knights a six-point victory. Russow carried the ball 26 times for 175 yards, including two touchdowns.

In the pre-season coach's poll, UM-Morris was picked to win the North Division. The Knights can continue to prove its critics wrong with a victory Saturday. Kickoff is at 1:00 pm Saturday.

Keys to the Game

1. Keep the UM-Morris Offense off the Field

The Knights are first in the UMAC in time of possession, and as equally as important, first in 3rd down conversions. If the Knights can continue to excel in these areas, it will keep the defense fresh and keep the high-scoring Cougar offense helpless on the bench.

2. Improve the Red Zone Offense

Statistically, the Knights rank at the bottom of the UMAC in turning red zone scoring opportunities into touchdowns. The fact that the Knights have had numerous scoring opportunities is a positive for MLC. Wasted scoring opportunities, however, allow opponents to stay in the ballgame. Against UM-Morris, the Knights have the chance to improve one of the rare weaknesses on a rising offense.

3. Win the Line of Scrimmage Battle

The Cougars strength is its massive offense and defensive line. The Knights will need to wrap-up effectively, stick to its gap assignments and not beat themselves. Team tackling will also be of importance.

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