MEC Game of the Week!

Shepherd @ Charleston

University of Charleston Stadium, Charleston, WV
7:00 pm

2016 Records: Shepherd 1-0, Charleston 0-1
2015 Records: Shepherd 13-1, Charleston 10-2

Recent Meetings:
2015, Shepherd 45-25
2014, Shepherd 24-15
2013, Shepherd 28-9
Upon further review, the Golden Eagles relied on senior quarterback Jeremy Johnson last year. This year the responsibility of leading the offense falls on the shoulders of redshirt-sophomore Mason Olszewski, who saw very limited action last year. Until he proves himself to the defense, the opposition may be able to focus on senior running back Marvin Elam to force the young quarterback into difficult down-and-distance situations. Unfortunately for Charleston, the growing pains need to be over with to avoid forcing the team in a 0-2 hole.

Coach Cater isn't optimistic because of the Notre Dame blowout. He knows the opposition will try to bring an extra special effort for the Rams each week. If you look back over Shepherd's schedule for the past many years, you will hardly find a Thursday night game--if any. Maybe that is by design. So Shepherd is fairly untested operating on a short week; and the trip to Charleston is a considerable trek.

Expect to see Brandon Hlavach get the start at running back. If he doesn't start, I anticipate he will carry more of the load for the ground attack than Deonte Glover. Jeff Ziemba and his popular options will do some damage through the air.

The short week and travel prevents Shepherd from dominating right out of the gate, but the known-quality of the Rams' offense and defense gets the job done for a 2-0 start.

Shepherd 36, Charleston 18