Game Preview - Millersville

The Golden Rams (2-5, 2-2) host the Millersville Marauders (0-7, 0-4) for West Chester University's Homecoming. Kickoff is scheduled for Saturday at 2:00pm.

Series History:
West Chester leads the overall series 72-18. J.C. Morgan (Bucknell '04) is currently in his sixth season as head coach of the Marauders with a 14-48 career record.

Last 10 Meetings:

Year	H/A	W/L	Score	Year	H/A	W/L	Score
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
2017	Away	Win	27-24	2023	Away	Loss	23-14

Last Meeting:

09/23/2023 Millersville 23 - West Chester 14

In one of the most disappointing performances in recent memory, the Golden Rams trailed 16-0 at halftime and went on to lose 23-14 to Millersville for the first time since 2002. The Marauders ran the ball 58 times for 279 yards to drive a commanding 36 minute time of possession in the game. Conversely, the West Chester offense turned the ball over twice, was sacked six times, was only 2 of 13 on third down and could only muster ten first downs.

Rahiem Bowens had a team-high two catches for 72 yards, including a 62-yard, fourth quarter touchdown. Linebacker Connor Noble had a game-high 17 tackles and two pass breakups. Sean Henry launched a season-high nine punts in the game.

Scouting the Opponent:

Millersville's two best defenders from last season, AFCA All-America First Team linebacker Garrett Cox and defensive lineman Randy Okungu, have both moved on to IUP Cox is currently third in the PSAC in tackles.

Offensively the Marauders use three running backs: Jaiden Abrams (76 carries, 461 yards, 1 TD), Jaheim Morris (64 carries, 210 yards, 2 TD's) who was All-PSAC East last season, and Jose Lopez (42 carries, 189 yards, 2 TD's). Quarterback Rob Footman Jr. (43 carries, 85 yards) is also a running threat. In the passing game, incumbant Footman (30 of 72, 335 yards, 2 TD's, 4 int) has turned over most of the snaps to sophomore Ryan Zeltt (81 of 124, 864 yards, 6 TD's, 6 int). Among Millersville's five recievers with ten or more receptions, Isaac Sines (23 catches, 291 yards, 3 TD's) and Hakim Melvin (16 catches, 240 yards, 3 TD's) lead the way.

On the defensive side of the ball, safety Nick Romano (38 tackles, 2 int, 3 PBU) and freshman Amir Muhammad (14 tackles, 5 PBU) patrol the secondary. Defensive ends Conner Snyder (18 tackles, 1 sack, 5 QBH) and Max Hostetter (24 tackles) aooky pressure. In the middle are linebackers Hez Faison (32 tackles, 7.0 TFL, 4 QBH) and redshirt freshman Bryce Beutler (40 tackles).

Trent McDowell handles all the kicking duties, averaging 40 yards/punt and has dropped seven of his 40 punts inside the 20. He's 6 of 0 on field goals with a long of 44 and is perfect on 13 PAT's.

Analysis:

Millersville has lost their first seven games of this season and their last seven games of last season. In fact, you have to go all the way back to September 23, 2003 to find the Marauders' last win which happened to be against West Chester. So despite the fact that Millersville has struggled mightily this year on both sides of the ball, they see a golden opportunity in their opponent this week.

Expect to see a lot of their three running backs and Footman try to take advantage of West Chester's conference worst rushing defense. If the Golden Rams can force Millersville into the passing game, that could bode well for WCU in the interception area. The West Chester offense has been effective moving the ball and scoring points, and as long as WCU can avoid costly turnovers, that should continue against a Millersville defense that ranks last in the PSAC in points allowed with 36 points per game.

Massey Ratings is expecting a 35-17 West Chester win while Versus Sports simulates a wider 42-18 margin for the Golden Rams.

Notes:
At halftime of Saturday's game, the 2004 Golden Ram team that advanced to the NCAA Division II semi-finals will be honored. Also, former Golden Ram player and head coach Danny Hale will be recognized for his induction into the National Football Foundation College Football Hall of Fame.

Game Coverage:

Live Stats   Audio   Video   Game Program

West Chester Athletic Site - Homecoming Weekend Ahead For Gridiron Gang Saturday as Millersville Pays a Visit

West Chester Athletic Site - On-Campus Salute to Danny Hale Slated For Saturday's Football Game

West Chester Athletic Site - West Chester Welcomes Millersville on Homecoming Weekend

PSAC Site - 2024 PSAC Football Week 8 Notes

D2football - PSAC Columnist - PSAC Week Eight Preview