Football Receives Votes in Sixth Straight Poll

LEBANON, Tenn.--Cumberland Football continues to garner national recognition, earning votes in the latest edition of the Netting Professionals NAIA Football Coaches' Top 25 Poll, released Monday by the national office.

The Phoenix (4-3, 0-2 MSC) collected eight votes in this week's rankings, continuing their streak in appearances in the poll this season.

Cumberland is one of six Mid-South Conference programs either ranked or receiving votes, with Campbellsville moving up to No. 6 after beating Lindsey Wilson in the Battle for Highway 55 on Saturday. With the loss, Lindsey Wilson slips to No. 10. Georgetown held steady at No. 18 after beating the Phoenix. Bethel moved into the poll tied at No. 25. Faulkner is also receiving votes in the poll after beating the Cumberlands in overtime in Williamsburg on Saturday.

Cumberland ranks among the NAIA's top 25 in several key categories, including rushing yards per game (167.3), rushing first downs (78), and time of possession (32:20). The Phoenix defense has held opponents to just 115.9 rushing yards per game, good for 33rd nationally, while tallying 14 sacks and forcing five fumbles through seven contests.

Offensively, the Phoenix have averaged 316.3 total yards and 23.1 points per game, led by a ground-heavy attack that ranks among the Mid-South's best. The defense also holds opponents to the second-least yards allowed in the Mid-South Conference this season.

Nationally, Grand View (Iowa) remained the unanimous No. 1 team, followed by Keiser (Fla.), Benedictine (Kan.), and a tie for fourth between Friends (Kan.) and Montana Tech.

Cumberland will look to get back on track this weekend with a home matchup against No. 6 Campbellsville (Ky.), one of the NAIA's seven remaining unbeaten teams. Kickoff is set for 1:30 p.m. Saturday at Nokes-Lasater Field.

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