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MOREHEAD, Ky. -- Morehead State hosts Jacksonville in Saturday’s homecoming game. A day filled with athletics events for Eagles fans is showcased by one of the toughest PFL opponents the Eagles will face this season.
Kick-off for Saturday’s game is set for 2:00 pm to accommodate JU’s travel schedule. The 24th-ranked (FCS poll) Dolphins enter the game tied for first in the PFL with Dayton at 5-0. They are 7-1 overall and have outscored opponents 142-21 in the past two weeks. Morehead State is fresh off a 21-20, fourth-quarter win at Butler. The Eagles are 3-4 overall and 2-2 in the PFL with just one road game left on their docket.
With one of the most prolific offenses in college football and discussions of an at-large berth in the FCS playoffs, Jacksonville will be a tough opponent for the Eagles. JSU’s only loss this season came to perennial power Appalachian State and their closest PFL game was a 39-34 win over third-place Drake. The Dolphins lead the nation in scoring offense and passing offense, but are also good defensively, ranking in the top 30 in four defensive categories.
Quarterback Josh McGregor and running back Rudell Small are JU’s one-two punch offensively. McGregor leads the nation in passing and Small is 15th in rushing. Stopping just one of the two phases of the JU attack is likely to get a defense burned on the other side.
Right behind McGregor in the PFL rankings and not much further behind him nationally is Morehead State’s
Zach Lewis. After struggling against Georgia State and not having a prolific day versus Davidson, Lewis rebounded nicely at Butler, throwing for 307 yards including leading a 55-yard game-winning drive. Lewis’ ability to put up gaudy numbers, and spread the ball around to a wide-range of receivers will be one of the Eagles’ best weapons against the JU offense.
Defensively MSU’s
Mark Hall,
Jerome Raymond and
Tony Bachman will be looked upon to form a solid defensive front to stop the Dolphins rushing game and pressure McGregor. There will also be an opportunity for the Eagle secondary to limit McGregor’s chances.
MSU hits the road for one last time next Saturday, travelling to San Diego to face the Toreros before closing out the season with two home games.
