GAME DAY INFORMATION
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DATE: Nov. 4, 2023
TIME: 1:00 PM EST |
LOCATION: Spec Martin Memorial Stadium
DeLand, Fla.
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GAME DAY LINK
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LIVE STATS
LIVE VIDEO
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THE LEAD
The Hatters will briefly return home as they host the Davidson Wildcats for Military Appreciation Game at 1:00 PM on Saturday, Nov. 4 at Spec Martin Memorial Stadium. Stetson looks to win their first game since defeating Presbyterian 28-24 on Oct. 7.
INSIDE THE SERIES
Stetson and Davidson have seen each other 13 times prior to Saturday's game. The Hatters trail slightly in the tightly contested series, as they hold a 6-7 record all-time. When on the road, Stetson and Davidson are deadlocked at 3-3 but when hosting, Stetson trails 3-4. The last time they met was a double overtime thriller but the Hatters fell 48-56. The series dates all the way back to Nov. 21, 1912 when Stetson took the inaugural game by the score of 21-6. Over the course of their history, the Hatters have scored a total of 342 points, averaging 26.31 points per game.
SCOUTING THE HATTERS (3-5, 1-4 PIONEER)
The Hatters' Week 10 matchup marks their third consecutive encounter against top-tier opponents in the standings. Stetson looks to break a two-game skid after recent setbacks against St. Thomas (Minn.) and Drake.
This season, the Hatters' offense has averaged 21.88 points per game and tallying 22 touchdowns. Notably, their ground game has been the core contributor, notching 14 touchdowns and averaging 116 yards per game. Devon Brewer stands out as a driving force, amassing 310 yards on 90 carries and scoring five touchdowns, notably rushing for two fourth-quarter scores against Presbyterian, ultimately securing a conference victory.
In their recent outing, Matt O'Connor started at the helm, completing 14 of 33 passes for 199 yards. Donovan Shepard and Kaleb Costner contributed to the rushing attack, with Costner adding his second touchdown of the year.
Gabe Atkin emerged as a steady presence in the receiving department, boasting 36 receptions for 507 yards and three touchdowns, placing him third in the conference in receptions and fifth in yards.
Stetson's defense has limited opponents' passing yards, yielding an average of just 169.5 passing yards per game in conference matchups and seven touchdowns through the air this season. Linebacker Nicholas Lerew has been a force on defense, accumulating 91 total tackles, ranking as the second-highest in the PFL and 10th in all of FCS. In the most recent game, Lerew, alongside Andrew Martin, showcased their defensive strength with 12 and 11 tackles respectively.
The Hatters have been formidable in generating turnovers, amassing four takeaways in their latest game, including interceptions by Rassie Littlejohn, Jaylon Johnson, and David Stubbs. All three defensive backs have recorded three interceptions, each. Littlejohn, who returned an interception for a 30-yard touchdown earlier in the season, has now equaled the most career interceptions since 2013. He is positioned as one of three PFL defenders with three interceptions in conference play, and one of three with a pick-six.
SCOUTING THE WILDCATS (6-2, 5-0 PIONEER)
Davidson, currently perched as co-leaders of the PFL, risks their six-game PFL winning streak on their southern venture. The Wildcats, standing with a 6-2 overall record, have gone undefeated in conference play so far with an 5-0 start.
Led by an explosive offense, Davidson enters the matchup as the league leaders in scoring, averaging 45.2 points per game. They have outscored opponents by an average of 18 points per game. With a total of 48 touchdowns this season, 32 of these have been achieved on the ground.
The team boasts a formidable backfield duo in Mason Sheron and Mari Adams, both averaging over 100 rushing yards per game and combining for 18 touchdowns within league play. Commanding the Wildcats' offensive charge is quarterback Coulter Cleland, showcasing 85 completions on 108 passes, accumulating 1125 yards and 14 touchdowns. Additionally, their diverse offensive is evidenced by 12 different players contributing to the passing game, four of whom have surpassed 100+ receiving yards.
Aaron Miaone leads the receiving corps with 25 catches for 310 yards and three touchdowns, closely followed by Brody Reina, who has notched 12 receptions for 252 yards and a team-leading 4 touchdowns.
On the defensive front, Davidson has made 481 total tackles, 45 of which resulted in a loss of 211 yards. Their ability to apply pressure is clear in the 24 sacks achieved, totaling a loss of 151 yards. The defense has also secured 10 takeaways, with three interceptions and seven fumbles recovered.
Guiding the Wildcats is Scott Abell, entering his sixth season as the head coach.
NEXT UP
The Hatters will hit the road for the final time as they head to Valparaiso, Indiana for a date with the Beacons at 1:00 PM on Nov. 11 at Brown Field.
