KUTZTOWN, PA (September 21, 2010) – The Kutztown University football team begins Pennsylvania State Athletic Conference (PSAC) Eastern Division action with an opportunity to accomplish something that has never been done in school history. The undefeated Golden Bears travel to Cheyney University Saturday afternoon for a 1 p.m. kickoff at O'Shield's-Stevenson Stadium looking to conclude a perfect September. (GAME NOTES) / (PSAC WEEKLY RELEASE)
Kutztown (3-0 overall) has never started a season 4-0. The Golden Bears' best-ever start to a season came in 1941, when Kutztown won four-straight games after a season-opening tie. Kutztown has won 16 straight games against Cheyney (0-3) since dropping a 31-19 decision in 1993. Overall, KU is 49-10-1 against Cheyney.
The Golden Bears defeated Cheyney, 35-21, in last year's meeting behind Matt Dineen, who made a school record five field goals. This is Kutztown's best start to a season since 2001. The Golden Bears are the only PSAC East team and one of four PSAC schools without a defeat.
Despite all of those numbers in Kutztown's favor, the Golden Bears will definitely have their hands full facing an improved Cheyney squad that scored a season-high 21 points against nationally-ranked Edinboro. The Golden Bears will most likely be facing Cheyney's triple-option offense, which gave Edinboro plenty of problems.
Last week, Kutztown overcame a 13-point deficit to beat Lock Haven, 38-13 while Cheyney suffered its 31st consecutive defeat, falling 27-21 to Edinboro, ranked 13th in the American Football Coaches Association Top 25. Cheyney also enters the game with a 23-game losing streak against PSAC East opponents.
Kutztown's offense has been on fire to begin the season. The Golden Bears have scored at least 35 or more points in every game this season. This is the first time since 1991 a KU team has scored 30 or more points in its opening three games. Kutztown enters the game ranked second in the PSAC in scoring offense (38.3), total offense (397.7) and passing offense (272.0). Even more amazing is that KU hasn't scored in the first quarter in two of its three games. Nine of Kutztown's 16 touchdowns have covered 20 or more yards. The Golden Bears have scored in 10 of the 12 quarters they have played this season.
Going back to last year's regular season finale against Indiana, the Golden Bears have scored 146 points. The Golden Bears have scored 30 or more points in four straight games going back to last season.
Wide receiver Josh Smith has caught five touchdown passes in KU's last two games. Erik Frazier (Philadelphia, PA/Germantown) Jr. is ranked sixth in the PSAC in receptions per game (4.7) and receiving yards per game (88.0). Frazier leads Kutztown with 14 receptions and Smith is behind him with 13.
KU sophomore quarterback Kevin Morton is second in the PSAC in passing average (272.0) and third in total offense (295.0). Morton has thrown at least one touchdown pass in eight straight games. During that span, he has thrown at least two TDs in six of Kutztown's last seven games. The four touchdown passes he threw against LHU, tied Morton's career high in a game set last year against Millersville.
While the Golden Bears' offense has been a quick strike unit, Kutztown has posted some impressive defensive numbers. The Golden Bears bring the PSAC's top ranked scoring defense (9.0), total defense (302.7) and rush defense (103.3) into their divisional opener. Kutztown has yielded seven points after intermission and have held two of its opponents to less than 100 rushing yards. Additionally, Kutztown has outscored its three opponents, 56-0, in the third quarter.
Leading the defense has been senior Kevin Bolinsky, who has recorded at least one sack in every game this season. Ranked second in the NCAA Division II national rankings, Bolinsky has a PSAC leading 5.5 sacks. He had seven tackles, two forced fumbles, and two sacks against Lock Haven last week. Overall, Kutztown has 13 sacks and 11 quarterback hurries. Jay McKnight and Colin Henny also have two sacks for the Golden Bears. Khalief Evans (21 tackles) and Joel Irwin (20.5) are Kutztown's top tacklers. Evans also blocked a field goal last week against Lock Haven.
Meanwhile, Cheyney boasts the conference's second best pass defense (141.0). The Wolves, ranked fourth in the PSAC in total defense (328.3), yielded one touchdown in a 12-0 defeat to Lincoln (Pa.). Offensively, Cheyney is 16th in scoring (7.0), total offense (243.7) and passing offense (118.3) because it was shutout in its first two games.
However, CU played those games without quarterback Chris Anderson and running back Marcus Jones. They combined for 164 rushing yards against Edinboro. Anderson also finished with 212 passing yards and a pair of touchdown tosses as Cheyney's rally from a 27-7 deficit fell short. Cheyney had a season high 391 yards and 22 first downs against Edinboro.
Cheyney's top pass catchers through three games have been Travis Taolton (seven catches, 111 yards) and Prince Stewart (six). Defensively, Tim Hume leads Cheyney with 19 tackles and three sacks. Byron Payne also has 16 tackles while Hannibal Flores has recovered two fumbles. CU's defense has permitted 19 points after halftime.
Both teams continue PSAC East play next week. Kutztown returns home to host reigning PSAC champion Shippensburg at University Field in a 1:05 p.m. KU will be celebrating Family Day and wrapping up week-long “Paint The Town Gold” festivities. Cheyney travels to Millersville in a game beginning at 1 p.m.
--KU--
