Game Preview - Shepherd

The Golden Rams (3-2, 1-1) travel to West Virginia on Saturday to take on the Shepherd Rams (1-4, 1-1). Kickoff for Shepherd's family day in Ram Stadium, which they're planning on renaming in honor of Chicago Bear quarterback Tyson Bagent, is scheduled for noon.

Series History:
These two teams met for the first time in 2013 in the NCAA Division II Regional Championship when the Golden Rams came away with a 28-7 victory. Since Shepherd joined the PSAC in 2019, the first four PSAC East meetings had been won by Shepherd before WCU's upset last season. Shepherd has since had to vacate their wins in 2021 and 2022, when they advanced to the NCAA Division II semi-finals, due to multiple eligibility violations.

Shepherd head coach Ernie McCook is in his eighth season at the helm of the Rams.

Last Meeting:

10/13/2024 West Chester 35 - Shepherd 14

West Chester defeated Shepherd for the first time in over a decade with a rather comfortable 35-14 win at John A. Farrell Stadium. While Shepherd moved the ball well, they also threw four interceptions, including picks by Kaleb Brown and Connor Noble. The Golden Ram defense also got sacks from Debrick Johnson, Seamus McCain, and Jack Fry. Linebacker Johnny Pergine registered ten tackles.

Offensively, quarterback Cooper Jordan accounted for three touchdowns and 288 yards.

Scouting the Opponent:

Shepherd puts up big numbers on offense with running backs Jordan Barnett (61 carries, 471 yards, 7 TD's) and Grant Swinehart (63 carries, 343 yards, 2 TD's) both among the PSAC's top ten in rushing yards per game. Bucknell transfer quarterback Michael Hardyway (104 of 158, 1,261 yards, 7 TD's, 3 int) is second in the PSAC in passing yards per game. Wide receiver Kordell Batten (30 catches, 386 yards, 3 TD's) is one of five Rams with double digit receptions. Also on that list are Caysen Lanza (19 catches, 270 yards), Malakai Brown (17 catches, 222 yards, 2 TD's), Jaden Ashby (14 catches, 204 yards, 1 TD) and Swinehart (15 catches, 98 yards).

Punter Daishaun Alexander (3 I20, 4 50+) is second in the PSAC with a 44.9 yard average. Kicker Max Barba (5 of 6 on FG with a 44-yd long, 16 of 16 on PAT) scores 6 points per game.

Defensively, lineman Nathan Muhle (25 tackles, 2.0 sacks, 4 QBH) applies the pressure up front. Most of the stops come from the Ram secondary: Geo-Di Tolbert (29 tackles, 1 PBU), Makai Young (25 tackles, 2 QBH), Klayton Batten (24 tackles, 2 PBU), and Will Johnson (15 tackles, 2 int).

Analysis:

Don't be deceived by Shepherd's record. Three of their losses came on the road and they've played one of the most difficult schedules in the region, as the four teams that defeated the Rams are a combined 17-3. The Rams will be the best passing offense that West Chester will face all season and 13 different Shepherd players have made a reception. The West Chester defense will also need to be solid in their tackling, as Swinehart (210 lbs) and Barnett (225 lbs) are a lot to bring down.

Shepherd allows almost 40 points (13th in the PSAC) and 443 yards (14th in the PSAC) per game. The Ram defense only has six sacks through five games, so whoever is quarterbacking for West Chester should have time...unless Shepherd saw the East Stroudsburg defensive game plan and brings the the blitz on every play. The Golden Ram offense needs to score, preferably touchdowns, on every possession to win this game.

Massey Ratings is projecting a 28-27 West Chester win while Versus Sports simulates a wider 31-23 Golden Ram victory.

Game Coverage:

Live Stats   Audio   Video  

West Chester Athletic Site - West Chester Travels to Shepherd for PSAC Tilt Saturday Afternoon

PSAC Site - 2025 PSAC Football Week 6 Notes

Shepherd Athletic Site - Shepherd University Has Clear Bag Policy for Fall Sports

Shepherd Athletic Site - 2025 Ram Press Box Report - Week 6

D2football - PSAC Columnist - PSAC Week Six Preview