Game Notes
Coach Doup Radio Show - Week 6

WESTERVILLE, Ohio – The Otterbein University football teams returns home after its big rivalry game to host Muskingum University, under the lights, in a 7 p.m. contest Saturday at Memorial Stadium. The game takes place as part of Hall of Fame weekend.

"Our guys are still beat up and tired from that emotional Capital game, so the biggest focus is getting as healthy as we can," Otterbein head coach Tim Doup said. "That game took a lot out of us but now it's time to refocus and get ready for Muskingum."

Otterbein, 3-2 overall and 3-1 against the league, will look to make it 12 wins in a row over the Muskies, who are off to a tough 0-5 start this fall. The Muskies endured close losses to Capital, 34-31, and Baldwin Wallace, 34-28, as they still search for a first win of 2015.

"Muskingum is big and can play physical," Doup explained. "The 0-5 record is probably not even close to what they should or could be. They have a big line and will try to run it right at you, and then have a lot of guys back on the defense with Chaney Fulton sitting right there in the middle. He is one of the best linebackers in the country. It's always a hard-fought battle and, for some reason, they just don't like us very much. It always seems like a rivalry game for them, so we'll need to be fully prepared."

The Otterbein offense has been clicking on all cylinders lately, averaging over 35 points per game in the last month and almost getting 50 in last week's 49-34 win at cross-town Capital. The Cardinals broke the game open during the second quarter, highlighted by a 99-yard touchdown run from running back John Pyles that set a new school record and matched the OAC's record for longest scoring play.

"We always talk about someone needing to step up and make a play," Doup explained. "We didn't do that the first week but different guys have stepped up since then to make key plays, at key times. That's what you need to win games."

Senior quarterback Kevan Green, 22 of 28 with five passing touchdowns against Capital, continues to get more and more comfortable in the pocket while having the OAC's leading receiver, sophomore Julian Lowe, at his disposal out of the slot. Lowe has 37 catches for 524 yards and eight touchdowns so far this year.

Otterbein, missing its top three cornerbacks last week at Capital, hopes to be a little healthier this Saturday as it continues to battle injuries on the defensive side. Linebacker Drew Ervin continues to impress, making a career-high 17 tackles against the Crusaders' triple-option attack en route to his second OAC 'Defensive Player of the Week' award. He and Fulton rank first and second, respectively, amongst the leading tacklers in the conference.

The Cardinal defense will look to contain a veteran Muskie backfield of senior quarterback Cody Williams and junior running back Melvin Smith, who has four touchdowns and is averaging 5.4 yards per carry. Williams has a trio of young wide receivers capable of making plays on the perimeter.

Lastly, Doup and the Cardinal coaching staff will be focused on controlling the third phase of the game, one that can often decide the outcome.

"Most people would say that, if you win special teams, then you have a good chance of winning the game," Doup said. "We hit 8 of our 10 team goals against Capital and pushed in the other two categories. That area is huge in the OAC and will be especially important this week in terms of yardage and field position."

Otterbein will be inducting its eighth class into the Athletics Hall of Fame Saturday on campus. Honorees in the 2015 group, with sport in parentheses, include Bill Baker (football), from British Columbia, Canada, class of 1968; Jen Lambert Bowers (women's basketball), from Dalton, class of 1997; Tom Kerr (Past President), from Columbus, honorary degree in 1971; Mike Lochner (men's soccer), from Bexley, class of 2003; Angelo Manzo (men's soccer), from Pickerington, class of 2004; Wayne Woodruff (football/track and field), from Centerburg; class of 1981. In addition, Roy Peden (multiple sports), class of 1922, and Albert Exendine (football coach) will be honored posthumously.

Fans can follow the game through live stats, live audio and live video.