Game Preview - Gannon

The Golden Rams (1-1) finally have a home game when they host the Gannon Golden Knights (0-2) on Saturday at noon in John A. Farrell Stadium.

Erik Raeburn is in his fourth season as head coach at Gannon with a 14-14 record. Gannon is coming off a 28-21 loss to Millersville. Gannon outgained Millersville by 100 yards, but were hurt by two lost fumbles.

Series History:

West Chester is 5-0 against the Golden Knights since Gannon joined the PSAC in 2008. In 2013, the two teams combined for 97 points and almost 1,100 yards with West Chester hanging on for a 56-41 win. The last home-and-home series, in 2018 and 2019, were much more comfortable victories for the Golden Rams.

Last Meeting:

09/17/2022 West Chester 29 - Gannon 23

Trailing 23-17 at halftime, the Golden Rams defense shutout Gannon in the second half and West Chester scored a touchdown and a field goal to take a 27-23 lead with five minutes left. To top off the second half defensive dominance, the Gannon quarterback was sacked in the end zone for a safety on the final play of the game.

Two of Gannon's three second quarter touchdowns came after WCU fumbles, giving the Golden Knights short fields for both scores. While Gannon's pro prospect quarterback threw for 362 yards and two touchdowns, he was also sacked six times. Leading the West Chester defense was Maurice Beverly who had eight tackles, including a sack, and a forced fumble. Cornerbacks Sterlen Barr, Jr. and Obi Anyatonwu each has two pass breakups. On the offensive side of the ball, Cooper Jordan was still working his way into the playing time and Rahiem Bowens had two catches for 68 yards.

Gannon would go on to finish 2022 with a record of 8-3, including knocking off then #11 Indiana.

Scouting the Golden Knights:

This Gannon team has a lot of similarities to the Golden Rams. After losing seven All-PSAC West performers from last season's squad, they are fairly young. They run a 3-3-5 defense. And although quarterback Nate Mikell (48 of 81, 471 yards, 4 TD's, 1 int) is 6'4, similar to West Chester, he is a dual threat and leads the Golden Knights in rushing (21 carries, 112 yards). Their other three ball carriers have a total of 102 yards, and 43 of those came on one play. Ball State transfer running back Donny Marcus (14 carries, 43 yards) is also a factor in the passing game (7 catches, 24 yards). Top receivers are All-PSAC West Ke'John Batiste (14 catches, 126 yards, 2 TD's) and Donell Mason (12 catches, 168 yards). Their two tight ends - 6'5 Jonathan Bowden and 6'4 Isaiah Pae - each have a touchdown catch. Left guard Jacob Petit was All-PSAC West a season ago.

Two-time All-PSAC West defensive back Chris Farnsworth (13 TKL) is on his way to a third annual honor as he leads the Golden Knights in tackles. Fellow defensive backs Kam Snell (9 TKL, 1 int) and Grand Valley State transfer Ty Tiggs (7 TKL, 4 PBU) patrol the secondary. Linebackers Hayden McDonald (12 TKL, 3 PBU, 1 sack) and Zharell Walker (11 TKL, 1 TFL, 1 int) are also active in the passing game. Up front, Obi Ezeigbo (10 TKL, 1.5 sacks) anchors the line.

Analysis:

There are several factors going West Chester's way: a home game - finally, a long road trip for the Golden Knights, Zwaan has never lost to Gannon, Golden Rams played better last week despite the final score. The WCU offense needs to be wary of Farnsworth and the Golden Ram defense, besides containing Mikell, needs to keep an eye on those big tight ends in the red zone. Reduce last week's mistakes - turnovers and inopportune penalties - and the game doesn't have to be close.

Versus Sports simulates a 29-25 West Chester win while Massey Ratings projects a 28-22 Golden Rams victory.

Game Coverage:

Live Stats   Audio   Video

West Chester Athletic Site - West Chester Lifts Lid on Home Slate Saturday Against Gannon at Noon

West Chester Athletic Site - Football Game Day Fan Information

West Chester Athletic Site - Game Day Program

Coach Zwaan Podcast - Inside the Huddle with Coach Bill Zwaan: Episode 2

PSAC Site - PSAC Week 3 Football Notes

Gannon Athletic Site - Gannon Game Notes (pdf)

D2football - PSAC Columnist - PSAC Week Three Preview