Game Notes
It's been four years since Kentucky Wesleyan last beat St. Joseph's. The last win, which came in 2008, was the only time KWC has beaten St. Joseph's since 1996.
The Panthers will try to shift the tide a little in their favor this Saturday. KWC (2-6, 0-5 GLVC) and St. Joseph's (4-4, 3-2) will kick off at 2 p.m. at Steele Stadium on the Panthers' Homecoming.
The Panthers are coming off a 45-14 home loss to Indianapolis, while the Pumas are fresh off a 65-49 road win over William Jewell.
Both defenses have proven to be equally as vulnerable this season, with both allowing an average of 432 yards of offense per game. The Pumas appear to have the upper hand on offense, though.
KWC is averaging just 53 yards per game on the ground, while St. Joseph's is averaging 141 yards per game. The Pumas also have the edge in points scored, points allowed and total offense.
If there's a silver lining for KWC, it may be in their special teams. The Panthers rank first nationally in punt return yardage, averaging 28.1 yards per return.
The Panthers will look to get the ball to sophomore running back Jeff Ward, who set five different offensive records in the Panthers' 42-35 win over Lindenwood-Belleville two weeks ago.
Ward has proven to be a threat in the backfield and also in the passing game, racking up 214 yards and two touchdowns on the ground while starter Devin Le'Gall has dealt with injuries.
Ward also has 426 receiving yards to go along with five touchdowns.
If the Panthers want to win, though, they'll have to stop Puma quarterback Billy VandeMerkt, who has accounted for 2,030 total offensive yards and thrown for 20 touchdown passes.
