Game Preview - Millersville

The Golden Rams (3-0) open PSAC East play when they host Millersville (0-3) on Saturday. Kickoff at John A. Farrell Stadium is scheduled for noon.

Series History:
West Chester leads the overall series 68-17. Golden Ram head coach Bill Zwaan remains perfect against the Marauders in his 15 years at West Chester. J.C. Morgan (Bucknell '04) is in his first season as head coach of the Marauders after spending three years as Millersville's offensive coordinator.

Last 10 Meetings:

Year	H/A	W/L	Score	Year	H/A	W/L	Score
2008	Home	Win	41-10	2013	Away	Win	48-3
2009	Away	Win	63-10	2014	Home	Win	62-7
2010	Home	Win	45-14	2015	Away	Win	48-3
2011	Away	Win	49-13	2016	Home	Win	52-0
2012	Home	Win	56-14	2017	Away	Win	27-24

Last Meeting:

11/04/2017 West Chester 27 - Millersville 24

Over the previous ten years, West Chester defeated Millersville by an average score of 51-9. Going into the game, a Golden Ram victory would ensure they would win the East division and therefore host the PSAC championship game. It would also be another step towards a berth in the NCAA Division II playoffs. But despite all of those expectations, after three quarters, West Chester trailed 24-17.

When Andrew Chegia converted his second field goal of the game midway through the fourth quarter, it closed the gap to 24-20, but the Golden Rams still needed a touchdown. The task seemed large as West Chester took possession at its own ten-yard line with less than five minutes left to play. But three and a half minutes later, Mike Class made a one-yard plunge for the go ahead score on just his second carry of the game. Quarterback Paul Dooley (15 of 30 for 238 yards and 1 TD; 9 carries for 81 yards) was effective both throwing and running, targeting Dan Neuhaus (3 catches for 85 yards and 1 TD) and Rasheem James (5 catches for 82 yards).

Defensive back Jaishan Thornton made nine tackles include 1.5 tackles for loss while Jarey Elder and Tyler Morrissey each made seven stops. Diquan Gilbert had 1.5 sacks and a pass breakup while Shaquille James had two pass breakups and an interception.

Scouting the Opponent:

Sophomore Collin Shank (65 of 106, 726 yards, 2 TD's, 5 int's) is the primary quarterback, but senior Justis Jacobs (6 of 10, 55 yards, 1 TD) also saw action last week against Slippery Rock. Last year's starter, Tony Staffieri, missed time last year due to a shoulder injury and has yet to play in 2018. Top receiving targets include 5'7" redshirt freshman Chris Dolan (21 catches, 260 yards, 1 TD), Central Connecticut transfer Xavier Jenkins (10 catches, 131 yards), and Joey Farley (9 catches, 121 yards, 1 TD). The running game is paced by Kobe Miranda (33 carries, 86 yards).

The defense is led by two All-PSAC East performers: linebacker Cameron Boykin (20 tackles, 2.5 TFL) and defensive end Tommy Halloway (17 tackles). Their top two tacklers are safety Trejon Dinkins (34 tackles, 2 pass breakups) and tackle Lucas Bush (27 tackles).

Farley also doubles as the placekicker and is 2 of 3 on field goals while Tyler Reiman handles punting (35.4 average, 6 fair catches, 3 inside the 20)and kickoffs.

Analysis:

Here's the eye-popping statistic - Millersville has allowed a league high 21 sacks and has yet to sack an opposing quarterback. The Marauders are at the bottom of the PSAC in rushing offense, total offense and scoring offense. Against West Chester's rushing defense, expect the Marauders to throw the ball - a lot. While the Millersville defense doesn't yield a lot of yards passing, it's primarily because their opponent has a large lead and is looking to run out the clock. For the Golden Rams, this is the last of four games against a much weaker opponent and shouldn't pose much a contest. But then again, that's what we thought last year too.

Massey Ratings projects a four touchdown margin of victory for West Chester while Atomic Football sees the Golden Rams winning by 34 points.

Game Coverage:

Live Stats   Audio   Video

West Chester Athletic Site - Depth Chart - West Chester vs. Millersville

West Chester Athletic Site - No. 13/18 West Chester Hosts Millersville On Saturday

PSAC Site - PSAC Football Notes - Week 4

Millersville Athletic Site - Tough schedule continues for Marauders with road game at No. 13 West Chester

KYW Newsradio - West Chester opens PSAC play Saturday against Millersville

Daily Local News - West Chester University hopes to keep hot start going against Millersville

D2football - PSAC Columnist - PSAC Week 4