GAME DAY INFORMATION
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DATE: Oct, 7, 2023
TIME: 1:00 PM EST |
LOCATION: Bailey Memorial Stadium
Clinton, S.C.
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GAME DAY LINK
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LIVE STATS
LIVE VIDEO
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THE LEAD
The Hatters hit the road for the second week in a row on Saturday, Oct. 7 looking to pick up their first conference win against the Presbyterian Blue Hose. This week will mark their third PFL match up, where the Hatters come in 0-2 so far in conference play.
INSIDE THE SERIES
In 12 previous meetings, Stetson trails in the series lead at 2-8-2, with the Hatters looking to make their mark in the 13th encounter. Recent times have favored Stetson, winning the last two games, including a 42-21 win for Stetson in their most recent face-off on Nov. 11, 2022. From the confines of home, Stetson holds. 1-2-1 record but when playing in Clinton, the Blue Hose hold the upper-hand with a 4-1-1 record over the Hatters. The series began way back on Nov. 24, 1938 when Presbyetrian took the inaugural game, handing Stetson a 6-7 loss in Daytona Beach.
SCOUTING THE HATTERS (2-3, 0-2 PIONEER)
As we enter the fifth game of the season, Stetson's football team carries a 2-3 record and they are looking to to break a three-game skid after facing conference losses to Butler and Marist in their most recent outings.
Offensively, Stetson has been putting up a strong fight, averaging 26.8 points per game, which ranks them fourth in the conference. They've reached the end zone 15 times, with an impressive nine of those touchdowns coming from ground plays. The team has been moving the ball effectively, generating an average of 352 yards per game, and they share the distinction of being tied for the most successful field goal attempts in the PFL, with seven.
In their recent performance, quarterback Matt O'Connor had a standout career game, throwing for a personal best of 291 yards on a remarkable 20-for-27 passing, with two touchdowns. O'Connor has completed 63 of 99 attempted passes for a total of 779 yards and a 4:3 TD to interception ratio. Meanwhile, Brady Meitz has also contributed at the position, completing 28 of 54 passes for two touchdowns but with four interceptions. Both QBs have recorded a rushing touchdown, both coming in the season opener against St Thomas (Fla.)
On the receiving end, Gabe Atkin has been making his presence felt with 13 receptions and 174 yards, including two touchdowns in their first two conference games. He has amassed 26 catches for 346 yards and three touchdowns in total this season. Jalon Warthen-Carr is coming off a strong game, registering a season-high of six receptions for 98 yards. Both running backs found the end zone last week, with Devon Brewer contributing 14 carries for 49 yards and a touchdown, and Donovan Shepard making an impact in the passing game, catching four passes for 38 yards and a touchdown.
Defensively, Stetson has demonstrated resilience by allowing the third-lowest passing yards per game in the conference, with just 192.2. They have also limited opponents to a mere three total passing touchdowns. Leading the defensive charge is linebacker Nicholas Lerew, who has accumulated an impressive 55 total tackles, topping the charts in the PFL. In the most recent game, Carter Gaskins stepped up with 15 total tackles and a crucial forced fumble at the goal line. Davion Maxwell also made his presence felt, forcing a fumble, his second of the season and first since the Montana State game. The secondary has been active with interceptions this season, with Rassie Littlejohn, Jaylon Johnson, and David Stubbs all contributing. Littlejohn's interception was returned for a touchdown against Butler. Additionally, Littlejohn has registered three QB hits, a forced fumble, and a fumble recovery this season.
Freshman kicker Daniel Holbrook has been reliable for Stetson, tying for the most made field goals in the PFL with seven out of 10 attempts this year. He maintains a perfect record on PATs, going 15-15. Holbrook has demonstrated accuracy on attempts inside 40 yards, though he's 2-4 beyond that range.
SCOUTING THE BLUE HOSE (2-2, 0-1 PIONEER)
Presbyterian College achieved a milestone in the Pioneer Football League with their thrilling 23-20 victory over Wofford on September 16. This significant win marked the first-ever instance of any PFL-affiliated school defeating a Southern Conference (SoCon) opponent. PC's triumph came courtesy of a game-winning 76-yard touchdown drive, capped off with just 28 seconds left on the clock, and it also signaled their first win over Wofford since 1994.
One of the standout performers for PC this season has been Tyler Wesley, who took command of the team's quarterback position during the preseason. Currently, he leads all players in the conference with 979 passing yards, and he's been responsible for 48 points, averaging 24.5 points per game. Wesley's passing game has been a highlight, boasting an average of 244.8 passing yards per game and a yards-per-throw ratio of 16.8.
When it comes to receiving stats, Dominic Kibby has made a significant impact with 15 receptions for 384 yards and 4 touchdowns, while Worth Warner has contributed 12 receptions for 207 yards and 1 touchdown. On the rushing front, Tyler Wesley has carried the ball 34 times for 146 yards and 1 touchdown, with JB Seay adding 24 carries for 92 yards and 1 touchdown.
In terms of overall team performance, PC averages 24.5 points per game while allowing 26.3 points. They tally 111.3 rushing yards per game and concede 126.6. Through the air, they accumulate 261.5 passing yards per game while allowing 183.0. In total offense, PC gains 372.8 yards per game, and their defense allows 358.8 yards per game. They have a 35% third-down conversion rate and an impressive 67% success rate on fourth downs. The kicking game has been solid, with Mack Mikko earning recognition as the PFL Special Teams Player of the Week on September 17 after converting three field goals and accounting for 11 points in the monumental win over Wofford.
NEXT UP
The Hatters will return home to Spec Martin Memorial Stadium on Oct. 21, after a bye week, as they host St. Thomas (Minn.) at 1:00 PM for Stetson's Homecoming Game.
