ST. PAUL – The University of Northwestern football team will head to Duluth Saturday for a highly-anticipated showdown with the College of St. Scholastica. The Eagles enter the weekend 5-1 overall and 4-1 in Upper Midwest Athletic Conference (UMAC) play, while the conference-leading Saints are 5-1 overall and 5-0 in league play. Kickoff at Public Schools Stadium is set for 4:30 p.m.
THE NORTHWESTERN FILE
The Eagles were tripped up by a very talented MacMurray squad last Saturday at Reynolds Field. It was the first loss of the season for UNW. Freshman
Payton Bowdry (Minneapolis, Minn./South) was a bright spot last week, as the rookie rushed for 81 yards on 13 carries. He has racked up 200 yards on the ground this fall.
Corban Halbur (Richfield, Minn./Richfield) has a passer efficiency rating of 122.23 under center and has thrown for 1,056 yards. Senior linebacker
Ben Greener (Foley, Minn./Home School) has been a force on the defensive side of the ball, posting a team-high 67 tackles.
A LOOK AT THE OPPONENT
The Saints come in winners of their last five games after a week one loss to 12th-ranked Saint John's. A high-powered CSS offense is averaging over 41 points per game. Kyle Stepka has thrown for 1,373 yards and 21 scores through the air and the Saints boast a pair of receivers who have combined to haul in 18 of those touchdowns.
ROAD WARRIORS
If the Eagles want to continue their push for a conference title, they will have to do so away from their home crowd, as UNW will play three of its final four contests on the road. In their last 13 road games, the Eagles have put together a 9-4 tally.
TALLEY LEADS TEAM USA
UNW Head Coach
Kirk Talley was given the honor of leading the Team USA Football team at the World University Championships this past May and June in Monterrey, Mexico. The team played against Japan, China, Guatemala and Mexico in the round-robin style championship format.
IN THE POLLS
After finishing runner-up in the Upper Midwest Athletic Conference (UMAC) a season ago, UNW was tabbed to finish second in the league in last week's UMAC Preseason Coaches' Poll. St. Scholastica was selected as the preseason favorite after putting together a perfect conference slate last fall.
GOOD WORK, GREENER
UNW senior linebacker
Ben Greener (Foley, Minn./Home School) was nominated for the 2016 America Football Coaches Association (AFCA) Good Works Team. The Eagles' leading tackler in 2015 was one of 165 college football players nominated for the prestigious award that recognizes those committed to service and enriching the lives of others
Fans can find links to watch the game live at
www.unweagles.com.
