GAME PREVIEW CAPSULE
Dixie State (2-3, 2-2) at Central Washington (3-2, 3-1), today, 2 p.m., Ellensburg, Wash.
Previous Meeting: Wildcats 51, Red Storm 19
Broadcast: ESPN SportsRadio 106.1 FM
RED STORM
Head coach: Scott Brumfeld (4th year, 8-29 overall)
Offense: Pistol, Pro Set
Defense: Pro 4-3
Last Game: Won against Simon Fraser, 39-12
Players to watch: Quarterback Griff Robles is coming off two consecutive games accounting for over 400 yards of total offense and six touchdowns. He will now have to face a defense that not only creates turnovers, but capitalizes on them. RB Myles Burton will have to continue his stellar play from last week. On the defensive side, Jake Duncan, Robert Metz and Nick Largent are facing an offense that averages less than 13 points a game and is turnover prone.
WILDCATS
Head Coach: John Picha (1st year, 3-2)
Offense: Multiple/Spread
Defense: Pro 4-3
Last Game: Won at Humboldt State, 21-13
Players to watch: The Wildcats are led by running back Jordan Todd who is averaging 125 yards per game rushing. Quarterback Jake Nelson has replaced an ineffective Justin Lane as the starter but only averages 86 yards per game passing. The offense has relied on the defense to put them in good field position and has capitalized enough to eke out wins. The CWU defense have several players that make plays. They are led by GNAC defensive player of the week Isaiah Davis. Davis is coming off a 3-interception performance at Humboldt State.
GAME OUTLOOK
This is a match-up between GNAC’s top offense (Dixie) versus GNAC’s top defense (CWU). Both teams are coming off back-to-back victories. CWU’s two losses this season have come when the opposing team has figured out how to run against them. If the Wildcats have success shutting down the run, they have capitalized on opposing teams’ turnovers to get their offense good field position. As good as they are in getting turnovers, their offense gives it up more. If Dixie can win the turnover battle and have success on the ground, the Red Storm will win their third consecutive game.
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