Playoff Implications Loom as Cumberland Takes on Ninth-Ranked Lindsey Wilson

LEBANON, Tenn.--With playoff hopes on the line, Cumberland football is set for a crucial Mid-South Conference matchup on Saturday, traveling to No. 9 Lindsey Wilson at 1:30 p.m. at the Parnell Family Stadium.

The Phoenix (6-3, 2-2 MSC) have won two straight, including back-to-back thrillers over No. 6 Campbellsville and Cumberlands, and will look to continue their streak while keeping their postseason push alive.

Quarterback Jake Parker has been red-hot, earning Mid-South Conference Offensive Player of the Week honors for the second consecutive week after leading an offense that has surpassed 220 passing yards in four straight games, a first in program history. Parker has thrown for 1,037 yards and seven touchdowns this season, while also rushing for 352 yards and four scores. Running back Jacob Cornejo anchors the ground game with 711 yards and seven touchdowns, and Jarrius Rogers has been a dynamic deep threat with 498 yards and four touchdowns on just 17 catches while Isaiah O'Neal had the game-winning touchdown last week.

Defensively, Cannon Johnson leads the team with 60 tackles and four sacks, while Chazz Hunter and Boston Follis have earned Defensive Player of the Week honors.

Lindsey Wilson (7-1, 3-1 MSC) enters as one of the NAIA's premier programs, averaging 43.4 points and 442.5 yards per game. The Blue Raiders are under the tutelage of first-year offensive coordinator Jay Bright from Bethel who has transformed the offense this season. Everything runs through dynamic running back Devontaye Saunders who is second in the NAIA in rushing yards and also is a threat in the passing game for the Blue Raiders.

Quarterback Tate Rice has thrown for 1,545 yards and 18 touchdowns while completing nearly 69% of his passes. The Blue Raiders boast one of the most explosive rushing attacks in the country, led by Saunders, who has rushed for 1,111 yards and 14 touchdowns while averaging 8.1 yards per carry. Khia Sherrard headlines the receiving corps with 711 yards and 10 touchdowns.

On defense, linebacker Cameron Rankins has been a steady leader with 60 tackles and five tackles for loss, while Khaleb Bridges leads a talented secondary with 10 pass breakups and an interception. Lindsey Wilson ranks among the NAIA's top defensive units, allowing just 16.8 points per game and ranking second nationally in red-zone efficiency.

Cumberland will need another complete performance to keep its playoff hopes alive. Bottom line is CU needs to win out to give themselves a shot. There are a few scenarios where CU can still claim the regular season conference title, but two wins are required the next two weeks.

The Phoenix will aim to snap a six-game losing streak in the series. Kickoff is set for 1:30 p.m. CT in Columbia, Kentucky. Christian Kaposy and Bob Lea will be making the trip to have the call with live coverage beginning at 1:00 p.m. on WANT FM 98.9 and the Cumberland Sports Network.

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Players Mentioned

#0 Jacob Cornejo: RB; 6' 0"; Sophomore

#46 Boston Follis: LB; 6' 0"; Senior

#8 Cannon Johnson: DB; 5' 8"; Junior

#82 Jarrius Rogers: WR; 5' 11"; Sophomore

#36 Chazz Hunter: LB; 5' 8"; Graduate Student

#12 Jake Parker: QB; 6' 2"; Redshirt Junior

Players Mentioned

#0 Jacob Cornejo
: 6' 0"; Sophomore
: RB

#46 Boston Follis
: 6' 0"; Senior
: LB

#8 Cannon Johnson
: 5' 8"; Junior
: DB

#82 Jarrius Rogers
: 5' 11"; Sophomore
: WR

#36 Chazz Hunter
: 5' 8"; Graduate Student
: LB

#12 Jake Parker
: 6' 2"; Redshirt Junior
: QB