Game Notes       Coach Doup Radio Show - Week 1

WESTERVILLE, Ohio – The Otterbein University football team will finally kick off its 2015 season Saturday afternoon at Memorial Stadium, hosting a rugged SUNY Buffalo State team at 1:30 p.m. It will be the first-ever meeting between the schools.

"We are ready to get back out there on that field after losing three in a row to finish last season," head coach Tim Doup said. "We need to get the taste out of our mouths and start something brand new, and that begins on Saturday."

Doup, ready for his fourth season at the helm, brings back 12 starters and other key positional players as the program looks to get back over the .500 mark this fall. The group went 8-2 in Doup's first year before back-to-back 5-5 seasons, with three defeats last year coming at the hands of top-10 teams.

The biggest question mark heading into camp was the quarterback position, and senior Kevan Green has emerged to get the nod in week one. Green has attempted just six passes for his collegiate career, but the coaching staff is eager to see how he grabs the reins as a senior.

"Kevan is smart and knows how to keep himself upright by changing protections," Doup explained. "He can audible to put us in some good things and actually runs better than people might think. He has seen this offense for three years now and will need to continue making the correct reads. He will be the starter out of the gate."

Four of five starters return in front of Green, with sophomores Jacob Schafer and Justin Hill still battling to complete the offensive line at left guard. Many offensive skill players are back, along with a few transfers that will surely add to the aerial attack.

Sophomore defensive end Kyle Blust, junior linebackers Austin Jones and Will Brett, and senior defensive backs Jordan Bonifas and Jordan Shell return to help anchor the defense. Otterbein finished seventh nationally last year with over three sacks per game.

"We absolutely have to stop the run," Doup said. "Buffalo State is old fashioned and has no problem turning it into a physical game. They line up and try to mash it right down your throat, with some option stuff thrown in there as well. They will pound and pound, and then all of a sudden throw a deep ball to one of their skilled wideouts. We can't give them anything easy."

True freshmen Abass Ceesay and Joe Sanfillipo have been competing for the Cardinal place-kicking duties this preseason, with Ceesay expected to get the first crack. In addition, tight end Bryson Wray will assume the punting duties.

Buffalo State, featuring a staggering 17 senior starters, has high expectations for 2015 after posting a solid 8-3 record last fall. The Bengals compete in the Empire 8 conference, the same league as recent Otterbein non-conference opponent St. John Fisher.

Head Coach Jerry Boyes enters the seventh season of his second stint with the school, while also maintaining his position as athletic director. Junior quarterback Kyle Hoppy will help lead the charge as well after throwing for 22 touchdowns and over 2,200 yards as a sophomore. He will be breaking in some new offensive weapons, but has all five starters (four seniors and a junior) back on the offensive line to help protect.

The Bengals are physically imposing on defense, featuring 10 seniors for a unit that possesses multiple playmakers. Preseason All-American linebacker Marquise Artis is the guiding force, along with fellow linebackers Shaq Frederick and John Allesandra. The trio combined for 321 tackles last fall.

"They are big and physical with a ton of returning starters," Doup said. "They are athletic and can run all over the place, so we won't be able to make any mistakes. We'll need to control the ball, limit the penalties and not give up the big play. That last one is the key."

Adult general admission will be $8 while military and student tickets are $3 each. Otterbein students with their Cardinal Card, along with anyone 62 years of age or older, will be admitted free of charge.