Game Preview - Millersville

Again this season, the Golden Rams (2-1) open PSAC East play by taking on the Millersville Marauders (2-1). Kickoff at Chryst Field at Biemesderfer Stadium is scheduled for Saturday at noon.

Series History:
West Chester leads the overall series 72-17. Golden Ram head coach Bill Zwaan remains perfect against the Marauders in his 19 meeetings with Ville. J.C. Morgan (Bucknell '04) is currently in his sixth season as head coach of the Marauders with a 13-34 career record. These two teams have had similar schedules and results this season: a win over a Northeast-10 team, a one-touchdown win over Gannon, and a 20+ point loss to Slippery Rock.

Last 10 Meetings:

Year	H/A	W/L	Score	Year	H/A	W/L	Score
2012	Home	Win	56-14	2017	Away	Win	27-24
2013	Away	Win	48-3	2018	Home	Win	42-16
2014	Home	Win	62-7	2019	Away	Win	48-7
2015	Away	Win	48-3	2021	Away	Win	42-14
2016	Home	Win	52-0	2022	Home	Win	26-14

Last Meeting:

09/24/2022 West Chester 26 - Millersville 14

The Marauders took a 14-2 lead early in the second quarter, but the West Chester defense pitched a shutout the rest of the way, scored on a pick-six and managed another safety to give the Golden Rams a 26-14 win. Kicker Sean Henry added ten points including 3 of 3 on field goals.

The West Chester offense managed just 16 yards rushing, and only 127 total yards and six first downs. Ethan Kohler (5 of 17, 111 yards) tossed a 43-yard touchdown pass to tight end Thatcher Miller (2 catches, 73 yards) for the only offensive points of the day. Rahiem Bowens (1 catch, 17 yards) and D'Shaun Seals (1 catch, 15 yards) each had a catch. The defense was led by Khalib Slaughter (10 TKL, 1 TFL) and Kaleb Brown (6 TKL).

Scouting the Opponent:

Despite returning their entire offensive line from last year, the Marauders are struggling on offense. Quarterback Rob Footman Jr. (33 of 73, 378 yards, 5 TD's) is in the bottom half of the PSAC in passing efficiency. He's also amassed 110 yards and 2 touchdowns rushing on 37 carries. While running back Jaheim Morris (16 carries, 55 yards) was All-PSAC East last season, redshirt freshman Jaquan Howard (45 carries, 236 yards, 2 TD's) gets the bulk of the carries and ranks fourth in the PSAC with 79 yds/game. Howard (5 catches, 54 yards, 1 TD) is also Ville's second most productive receiver. The top two wideouts are both under 5'10 : Mekhi Alexander (11 catches, 136 yards, 1 TD) and Hakim Melvin (4 catches, 47 yards).

The Millersville 3-3-5 defense is interesting to say the least. They're third in the conference against the rush (83 yds/game), but 15th against the pass (283 yds/game). Linebacker Garrett Cox (20 TKL, 7.0 TFL) was All-PSAC East last year and is second in the conference in tackles this season. He and fellow linebacker Hez Faison (23 TKL, 7.0 TFL) are tied for second in the PSAC in tackles for loss. Reserve linebacker Ryan Aument (13 tackles, 3 sacks, 1 FF) is second in the PSAC in sacks.

The secondary is led by sophomore cornerback Gus Ross (13 TKL, 1 INT, 1 FF) and safety Steve Sweeney (22 TKL, 2 PBU). Punter P Zach Banta was All-PSAC East last season. Millersville has yet to convert a field goal on four attempts.

Analysis:

The Marauders finished last season with their best record since 2006 and, despite the loss at Slippery Rock last week, they're off to their best start since 2010. The bottom line is this is a vastly improved Millersville team. Millersville's offense may just be what West Chester's struggling defense needs. But then again, West Chester's defense may just be what Millersville's struggling offense needs. Either way, it's likely where this game will be decided. Sean Henry should continue to strive for touchbacks since Melvin returned the opening kickoff for a touchdown last week. And it appears that the adverse weather may play a factor.

Massey Ratings is expecting a 28-23 West Chester win while Versus Sports simulates a 29-28 Millersville victory.

Game Coverage:

Live Stats   Audio   Video

West Chester Athletic Site - West Chester Travels to Millersville for PSAC East Opener

Coach Zwaan Podcast - Inside the Huddle with Coach Bill Zwaan: Episode 3

PSAC Site - PSAC Week 4 Football Notes

Millersville Athletic Site - Marauders return home for PSAC East opener

D2football - PSAC Columnist - PSAC Week Four Preview