GAME 10: SBU BEARCATS (4-5) at SAINT JOSEPH'S COLLEGE PUMAS (4-5)
SATURDAY, OCTOBER 31 • 12:00 PM
ALUMNI STADIUM • RENSSELAER, IN
RADIO: KBFL 99.9 FM (Josh Thompson, play-by-play)
INTERNET AUDIO: www.radiospringfield.com
SBU NOTES | SJC PREVIEW
RENSSELAER, Ind. -- The SBU Bearcats seem to be experiencing a bit of déja vu. Just like in the 2008 campaign, the Bearcats are coming off a heartbreaking loss to Ouachita Baptist, and this week, can set themselves up for a chance at a winning season with a victory over the St. Joseph's College Pumas. SBU had the last shot against Ouachita, but a tipped pass into the endzone as time expired sealed the win for the Tigers, in an unusually low-scoring 14-10 game.
The high-powered Bearcat offense had its lowest output of the season last week, collecting only 212 total yards against OBU. SBU looks to get back on track against the Pumas, an opponent that the 'Cats were able to put up 529 yards of total offense against just a year ago. Quarterback Steve Gachette threw for 342 yards and three touchdowns.
SBU ranks fifth nationally in Division II in total offense (471 ypg) and 19th in passing offense (273 ypg). If the Bearcats can maintain their total yardage average, it would be the second-most in school history, behind the 2008 squad. Gachette is third nationally in total offense with 359 yards per game and is tied for 29th nationally in rushing (90.33 per game). WR Charles Johnson is 63rd nationally in receiving yards per game (72.2). Johnson and teammates John Austin and Johnnie King are close in receptions per game with Johnson at 5.1 per game, Austin at 4.7 and King at 4.6 per game.
LB Jarred Schumpert is ninth nationally in tackles per game at 11.22. Schumpert has led or tied for the team lead in tackles in his three previous seasons. He is also 14th with 1.72 tackles for loss per game.
THE COACHES AND THE ALL-TIME SERIES
Bearcat head coach Keith Allen is in his third season at the helm of the Bearcats. He's already engineered a significant turnaround, moving the 'Cats from 0-11 his first year as interim coach, to 5-6 in 2008, and looking for more this year. Lou Esposito is in his sixth season as head coach of the Pumas, where he has posted a record of 29-24, including their 4-5 mark this season. The all-time series between the two schools is still young, with the only meeting coming in 2008, a 38-7 Bearcat win.
SCOUTING THE PUMAS
Mike Hladik has thrown for 141.9 yards per game, with seven touchdowns and 10 interceptions. He's completed 128 passes of 230 attempts for 1277 yards. Jashon Banks is the leading rusher for St. Joseph's, averaging 90.2 yards per game, with seven touchdowns. Fullback Terrence Freeman has collected 11 TDs on the year. Linebacker Bill Perry has a team high 75 total tackles, including 10 tackles for a loss. Deshon McClendon and Sam Gonzales have 5.5 sacks each.
