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GSC looks to rebound at Urbana

URBANA, Ohio — Following a tough 18-15 overtime loss last week to rival Fairmont State, first-year Glenville State College head coach Eric Smith’s Pioneers won’t have things any easier today.

That’s because the G-men (3-5, 2-5) are set to invade Urbana University (3-5, 2-5) for the Blue Knights’ 1 p.m. homecoming game this afternoon.

While both Mountain East Conference members are seeking a fourth overall and third conference triumph, Urbana is currently on a three-game slide. That includes taking a short-lived 7-0 lead last week before getting blown out at No. 2 Shepherd, 48-14.

Glenville State leading rusher Dominique Gibson had the only touchdown of the game last week against Fairmont State, but the visiting Falcons got six made field goals on seven attempts from Sam Keil for the stunning win.

The Pioneers, who have had five tilts decided by eight points or less and sports a 2-3 mark in those affairs, leads the all-time series 3-1. The Blue Knights won on their home turf in the inaugural meeting back in 2013, 12-9.

Although the Blue Knights have some solid defensive numbers this year, the offense is looking to regain its form.

The GSC offense, led by freshman quarterback Jaylen McNair, will face an Urbana defense that is eighth in the country in sacks and ninth in tackles for loss per game.

Tajuan Green has connected on 95 of 189 attempts for the Blue Knights for almost 1,400 yards with 14 touchdowns and nine interceptions.

Maurice Warren is averaging 4.8 yards per carry and 72.1 stripes a game (577 yards) for Urbana, which could have trouble moving the ball on the ground after the G-men held Fairmont State to 71 rushing yards on 39 attempts.

Andre Dalton, who had 12 solo stops versus FSU along with a pair of pass breakups, will have to team with his fellow secondary members to keep an eye out on Urbana’s top pass-catching threats. Tevon Saunders has team-highs of 39 grabs and 585 yards with five scores. Teammate Rodell Rahmaan has grabbed a team-best nine touchdowns on 23 receptions for 426 yards.

Coach Smith’s squad will look to improve their third-down conversion percentage today and cut down on penalties after having 11 for 89 yards against FSU.

GSC receivers DJ Williams and Javon Butler combined for just two catches and 43 yards against the Falcons, but Austin Ratliff, Kentre’ Grier and Isaac Myers picked up the slack with a total of 14 receptions for 159 yards.

The G-men also will hope for continued solid play in the trenches from the likes of Prince Thomas and Anthony McPoyle, who had a total of 4.5 tackles for loss last week.

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