GAME 8: SBU BEARCATS (5-2)
vs CENTRAL STATE MARAUDERS (1-6)
SATURDAY, OCTOBER 23 • 2:00 PM
PLASTER STADIUM • BOLIVAR, MO • HOMECOMING
RADIO: KBFL 99.1 FM (Josh Thompson, play-by-play)

INTERNET AUDIO | LIVE STATS | GAME NOTES

BOLIVAR, Mo. -- As the highlight of homecoming weekend, the SBU Bearcats prepare for what is potentally a historic matchup against the Central State (Ohio) Marauders. The Bearcats have already set a new school record with their current five game winning streak, which they could extend Saturday at Plaster Stadium. With one more victory, SBU would also clinch their second-straight winning season. The 'Cats have recorded back-to-back winning seasons just once before, back in 1986-87. Head coach Keith Allen can also move into a tie with Garry Brandt for second on SBU's all-time win list.

The Bearcats run the most potent offense in Division II, averaging a nation-best 545 yards per game. SBU averages 43.43 points per game, ranking fifth in the nation. The 'Cats run a balanced attack, with 336 yards per game through the air (8th in NCAA), and 210 yards on the ground (18th in NCAA). Defensively, the Bearcats are ninth in Division II with 23 total sacks and are among the top 25 in takeaways.

Senior quarterback Steven Gachette continues to rank among the best quarterbacks in Division II, scoring seven touchdowns two weeks ago at Lincoln. The Lehigh Acres, Fla. native went 24-for-31 for 287 yards and four scores, while rushing for 112 yards and three touchdowns. passed for ju. Gachette's 393 yards of total offense per game ranks second in the nation.

Gachette currently ranks eighth in the country with 324.57 passing yards per game, and ninth nationally with an average of 26.29 completions each week. Halfback Thad Everson recorded his second straight 100-yard rushing game against Lincoln, taking 20 carries for 106 yards and a touchdown.

The SBU defense recorded three sacks and two interceptions in their last game, marking the fourth straight game the 'Cats have grabbed at least three sacks. Defensive end Will Ramirez, Jr.'s five and a half sacks over seven games (.79 per game) is 28th in Division II.

Sophomore defensive back Shaquille Shedd is averaging 9.6 tackles per game after recording 13 stops against the Blue Tigers. Shedd is tied for 25th in the nation. Fellow sophomore Andre Hicks (8.83 per game) is just behind, ranked 46th. Austin Otwell (8.0, 81st) also ranks among the top 100.

THE COACHES AND THE ALL-TIME SERIES
Keith Allen has already engineered a significant turnaround at SBU, moving
the 'Cats from 0-11 his first year as interim coach, to 5-6 in 2008, to the winning record of 6-5 in 2009. Allen served as defensive and recruiting coordinator before being named SBU head coach in 2007. His past coaching experience has included stops at San Jose State, Quincy, TCU and Oklahoma.

Marauder head coach E.J. Junior is in his second season patrolling the Central State sideline, and is returning to Bolivar after working as an assistant coach with the Bearcats in 2008. Junior is a former NFL all-pro, and was named SEC Player of the Year while playing under coach “Bear” Bryant at Alabama.

This week will be the first matchup between the 'Cats and Marauders. SBU has played a school from Ohio only once in program history, and that was last month's win over Urbana.

SCOUTING THE MARAUDERS
Central State football has struggled since re-starting the program in 2005. The school was an NAIA powerhouse in the early to mid-90's, winning three national championships (1990, '92, & '95).

The Marauders have a strong defensive unit, allowing just 317 yards of total offense a game (43rd in NCAA). While their pass rush has only recorded 11 sacks in seven games, Central gives up just 147 yards passing per game, 14th-best in the nation.

Junior halfback Josh Anderson leads the offense, with 102 yards per game and 12 touchdowns.