WISE - - UVa-Wise will get a look at one of the top players in NCAA Division II Saturday. when Glenville State welcomes coach Dewey Lusk's team for Homecoming. The Pioneers' Rahman Lee leads the division with 603 rushing yards through the first three games of the year. Picked to finish fourth in the Preseason Mountain East Conference Coaches Poll, the Pioneers are coming off their first loss of the season, a 31-30 defeat at Charleston.

The game pits the league's top ranked rushing offense against one of the top teams in the league at stopping the run. Glenville State leads all MEC schools by averaging 294.3 yards per game against the run. The UVa-Wise defense is allowing 101.7 yards per game on the ground, ranking third in the MEC.

The Pioneers can also go to the air. Junior quarterback Sean Steele has already thrown for 876 yards and eight touchdowns. His favorite target has been Dante Absher who has caught 20 passes for 316 yards and five touchdowns. Absher's five touchdown grabs are tied for the most in the MEC.

Thus far, the Cavs have been unable to play four quarters. Opponents are outscoring UVa-Wise 89-7 in the second half of games. The team has failed to score in the second half of consecutive games has advanced the ball inside the red zone just once in the last two contests.

The struggle has allowed numerous players to get their shot in the lineup. Thus far, seven Cavaliers have ran the ball, three quarterbacks have played and 12 different players have caught a pass. One of the players who has taken advantage of his opportunity has been freshman Victor Mitchell. The Hampton, Va. native averaged six yards per carry last week against Shepherd and has moved up the depth chart throughout the season.

For the third consecutive week, UVa-Wise will see a solid punter. Glenville State's Tanner Wright leads the MEC in punting average at 42.8 yards per punt.

UVa-Wise will return home for Homecoming 2015 next Saturday when West Virginia State visits Carl Smith Stadium. Glenville State will be back on the road as the team visits Notre Dame College.