UMAC Game of the Week: MacMurray vs. Westminster - Football
The UMAC Game of the Week runs each Wednesday during the conference regular season and breaks down one key matchup from one sport.
The Matchup
Saturday, Oct. 6 - Westminster College at MacMurray College, football, 1 p.m. in Jacksonville, Illinois
***UPDATE*** MacMurray wins 19-14
What's at Stake
- Revenge - Last season, Westminster spoiled MacMurray's shot at a title winning the second-to-last game of the season 21-13. Early in 2018, with a shot at the conference title on the line still for the Highlanders, coming up with a win will be crucial to staying on track.
- Start a new streak - While not out of the question, winning a conference title is still in range for Westminster should they end a two-game losing streak with a win Saturday and hope other teams take some losses down the line.
- Close rivalry - Over the last six seasons, this matchup has become one of the most anticipated games in the UMAC. Over that time period, each game has been decided by eight points or fewer.
Previously in Action
- MacMurray narrowly defeated the University of Northwestern to spoil homecoming for the Eagles Saturday winning 15-13 in a defense-dominated contest.
- Westminster suffered a close loss to Greenville University on the road Saturday 24-20 for a second-straight defeat.
Need to Know
- Seven points - Westminster enters the game with a 1-2 mark in UMAC play but has lost by just a total of seven points in those losses.
- Pass or run - MacMurray leads the league in passing in conference games (327.0 yd/g), while Westminster is second in rushing (249.0 yd/g). However, MacMurray boasts one of the top defenses in the league against both options which will make it difficult for a Westminster offense that is last in passing (110.0 yd/g) if they can't establish a run.
- Line play - Westminster is tied for the lead in conference play for team sacks (12) and ranks second in sacks allowed with just three over a two-game span.
Players to Watch - MacMurray
- Javon Muhammad, Sr., DL - Defensive Player of the Year last season, Leads NCAA in TFL/g (3.7); UMAC Stats: 10.0 T/g (1st), 12 solo, 1.5 sack/g, 9.0 TFL (1st) , 5 PBU (1st)
- CJ O'Rourke, Sr., LB - UMAC Stats: 8.5 T/g, 2 PBU
- Nathan Randall, Sr., QB - All-UMAC last season; UMAC Stats - 66.2 pass% (1st), 142.0 pass eff. (1st), 310.5 yd/g, 3 TD
Players to Watch - Westminster
- Kayln Davis, Sr., RB - UMAC Stats: 121.7 yd/g (rush), 1 TD, 5.6 yd/carry
- Jackson Ringhausen, Sr., LB - All-UMAC last season; UMAC Stats: 6.3 T/g, 2 sacks, 2.5 TFL, 2PBU
- Trent White, Sr., QB - All-UMAC last season; UMAC stats: 101.3 yd/g (rush), 110.0 yd/g (pass), 10 TD, 6.1 yd/carry, 12.0 ppg
This game will be a "can't miss." Keep up with the
live video and
live stats for the big game. Get in on the action by interacting on social media (#UMACgotw).
2018-19 Game of the Week Archives