LEBANON, Tenn. - - Cumberland University football returns to Nokes-Lasater Field Saturday afternoon for an exciting rematch against the Florida Memorial Lions.
Kickoff is set for 1:30 p.m. CT, with both teams entering the contest at 2-1. Cumberland has won back-to-back games following a season-opening loss to St. Thomas, while Florida Memorial has also won its last two contests after dropping its opener to Edward Waters.
The Phoenix have built momentum over the last two weeks, outscoring Ave Maria and Pikeville by a combined 80-21. Through three games, Cumberland is averaging 28.7 points and 288.7 yards of total offense per game while allowing 19.3 points per contest. The Phoenix have been especially effective on the ground, rushing for 544 yards and six touchdowns while averaging 181.3 rushing yards per game.
Cumberland enters Saturday's matchup coming off one of its most impressive performances of the season, defeating RV Pikeville 49-21 at home.
The Phoenix and Bears entered halftime with Cumberland holding a 14-7 advantage before Cumberland took control in the second half. The Phoenix scored 21 points in the third quarter and added another 14 in the fourth to pull away.
Cumberland's offense rushed for 272 yards against Pikeville, averaging 6.0 yards per carry, while the Phoenix converted 10-of-12 third-down opportunities. Cumberland also limited the Bears to 304 total yards.
The defensive performance was a major part of the victory, as Cumberland produced three defensive touchdowns. Tyriq Edwards opened the second half with a 21-yard interception return for a touchdown before Mason Smiley added a 39-yard fumble recovery touchdown. Jacobi Johnson then capped the scoring with a 70-yard interception return in the fourth quarter.
On the ground, Jaylen Abston led the Phoenix with 87 yards and a touchdown on 14 carries, while Jordan Cason rushed for 80 yards and a touchdown on 10 attempts. Rashod Daniel added 68 yards and a touchdown.
The performance continued a strong stretch for the Cumberland defense, which has forced seven turnovers through three games, including six interceptions. The Phoenix have also recorded six sacks and have held opponents to 120.0 rushing yards per game.
Cumberland's offense has established its identity through the first three games with a strong rushing attack.
Abston leads the Phoenix with 194 rushing yards and two touchdowns on 43 carries. Cason has added 146 yards and two touchdowns on only 22 attempts, while Daniel has contributed 83 rushing yards and a touchdown.
Quarterback Jake Parker has provided production both through the air and on the ground. Parker has completed 32-of-61 passes for 322 yards and two touchdowns while adding 101 rushing yards.
Kaiden Hatchett has emerged as Parker's leading receiving target, recording 12 receptions for 110 yards and two touchdowns. Jordan Parker has been another big-play threat, totaling 91 yards on four receptions while averaging 22.75 yards per catch.
The Phoenix have also been effective at sustaining drives, converting 45.7 percent of their third-down opportunities and averaging more than 32 minutes of possession per game.
Florida Memorial enters Saturday's game with one of the most productive offenses Cumberland has faced this season.
The Lions are averaging 43.3 points and 530.3 yards of total offense per game through their first three contests. Florida Memorial is averaging 356.0 passing yards and 174.3 rushing yards per game while scoring 18 total touchdowns.
The Lions are coming off a wild 64-48 victory over Reinhardt on Sept. 19. Florida Memorial produced 514 yards of total offense in the victory, including 258 rushing yards and 256 passing yards.
David Buggs has been the primary catalyst for the Florida Memorial passing attack. The quarterback has completed 45-of-73 attempts for 825 yards, six touchdowns and four interceptions. Tedric Wilcox has also seen significant action, throwing for 231 yards and three touchdowns.
The Lions have several explosive options in the passing game, led by Jalen Holly. Holly has 17 receptions for 324 yards and two touchdowns, averaging more than 19 yards per catch. Gabriel Jason has also recorded 11 receptions, while Florida Memorial has received contributions from multiple other targets.
Florida Memorial's rushing attack is led by Nygel Osborne, who has rushed for 207 yards and three touchdowns on 47 carries. Tremaine Hughes has added 83 yards and two touchdowns, while Kennon Johnson has contributed 93 yards and a touchdown.
Defensively, the Lions have been opportunistic as well, recording six interceptions through three games. Florida Memorial has allowed 438.3 yards of total offense per game, however, setting up an important matchup between the Lions' explosive offense and a Cumberland defense that has been creating turnovers at a high rate.
Saturday's game also carries a unique storyline from last season.
Cumberland traveled to Miami Gardens on Sept. 27, 2025, and Florida Memorial won the game on the field, 24-19. The Lions finished with 404 yards of total offense, including 233 passing yards, while Cumberland rushed for 237 yards and controlled possession for 39:25.
Florida Memorial's David Buggs completed 18-of-26 passes for 233 yards and a touchdown in the contest, while Jerodd Sims rushed for 125 yards and two touchdowns. Cumberland was led on the ground by Jacob Cornejo, who rushed for 85 yards and a touchdown.
However, the result was later changed to a forfeit victory for Cumberland following Florida Memorial's use of an ineligible player.
As a result, Cumberland officially enters Saturday's matchup undefeated against the Lions. The unusual history adds another layer to the matchup, with the Phoenix looking to keep that official undefeated mark intact while Florida Memorial looks to establish a different result on the field.
Saturday's game presents a significant challenge for both sides.
Cumberland will look to continue establishing the run while relying on a defense that has already forced seven turnovers this season. The Phoenix have shown the ability to create explosive plays on defense, and last week's three defensive touchdowns demonstrated how quickly those takeaways can change a game.
Florida Memorial, meanwhile, brings a high-powered passing attack into Lebanon. The Lions' 530.3 yards per game rank well above Cumberland's first three opponents, making the Phoenix secondary and pass rush particularly important factors in Saturday's contest.
The game could ultimately come down to which team is able to dictate its preferred style. Cumberland has averaged 181.3 rushing yards per game and more than 32 minutes of possession, while Florida Memorial has built its offense around explosive plays through the air.
With both programs sitting at 2-1, Saturday represents another opportunity for Cumberland to build on its recent momentum and make a statement at home.
The Phoenix will look to extend their winning streak to three games, continue their opportunistic defensive play and remain undefeated against Florida Memorial in the official series record.
Kickoff is set for 1:30 p.m. CT Saturday at Nokes-Lasater Field.
