WISE - - A pair of teams looking to get on track meet Saturday when Carson-Newman visits UVA Wise in a 12 p.m. kickoff at Carl Smith Stadium in Wise, Va.
The visiting Eagles had high expectations entering the season, ranked 24th in the Preseason AFCA Coaches' Poll. Since then, Mike Clowney's squad has sputtered on offense having scored just 10 points en route to an 0-2 start to the season.
Known for its split back veer rushing attack, the Eagles are averaging 3.0 yards per rush and 107 rushing yards per game. To get its season turned around, the rushing game appears to be paramount in doing so. Through the air, CN has completed 18-of-42 passes for 117 yards while throwing for the team's lone touchdown of the season.
After starting the season 1-0, UVA Wise has dropped back-to-back games. Missed opportunities and allowing big plays has been the demise of the Cavaliers.
Last week, UVA Wise surrendered six sacks while the Cavs' defense gave up six plays of 20+ yards in a 44-9 loss at Mars Hill. The game was also full of missed opportunities as UVA Wise receivers were charged with five dropped passes in the second half. Penalties also played a large role in the game; the Cavs were assessed for 11 penalties and 119 yards.
While each team has dropped consecutive games, there have been bright spots for both squads. Returning All-American linebacker Rondrow Peebles has accumulated 15 tackles thus far for CN while UVA Wise quarterback Lendon Redwine continues to lead the league in passing yards (747) and passing touchdowns (9).
The game will be the start of a three-game homestand for the Cavaliers who will entertain preseason SAC favorite Lenoir-Rhyne for Homecoming 2021 next weekend before finishing the homestand with a contest with Newberry on Oct. 9.
On the flip side, the game begins a three-game road trip for the Eagles. CN visits Barton College next week before finishing off the trip at Catawba on Oct. 9.
Saturday's game will be the third all-time meeting between the two programs. CN has won each of the first two meetings, including a 40-37 (4OT) affair when the two schools met in the spring. The quadruple overtime contest was the longest in UVA Wise history.
