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Cortland defense could test Mt. Union
Both defenses have allowed just 21 total points so far in the playoffs.
ALLIANCE — Although both teams have explosive offenses, it may be the defenses that decide the outcome of Saturday’s NCAA Division III quarterfinal between Mount Union and Cortland State (SUNY) at Mount Union Stadium.
The Mount Union and Cortland defenses have allowed just 21 total points so far in the playoffs. The Purple Raiders have outscored the opposition 98-7, while the Red Dragons own a 73-14 edge through two postseason games.
With both offenses capable of lighting up the scoreboard on Saturday, defensive play will be critical.
Mount Union’s defense, often overshadowed by an offense that piles up 47.2 points per contest, is the best in the nation. The unit is tops in scoring defense (5.6 points/game), total defense (166 ypg) and rushing defense (48.9 ypg).
The Purple Raiders have allowed a touchdown or less in 10 of the team’s 12 games.
Senior linebacker Chas Yoder had a team-high nine tackles and a fumble recovery in last week’s 42-7 win over Hobart. Sophomore safety Chaz Jordan had an interception last week to lead a defense that held Hobart to just 86 yards in the second half.
Sophomore linebacker Sam Kershaw tops the team with 65 stops, while junior defensive end James Herbert has 13 sacks to lead a unit that leads the nation with 43 on the season.
“Our motto on defense has been that 11 playing as one on our defense,” said Mount Union coach Larry Kehres. “We want to try to play good football at every position on our defense and for the most part this season we have been able to do that.
“The common thing that teams have at this point of the season is these teams can run the football on offense and stop the run on defense and Cortland is no exception.”
Cortland running back Andrew Giuliano has established school single-season records with 1,471 net rushing yards and 22 touchdowns scored, all on the ground. He averages 122.6 rushing yards per game and 5.4 yards per carry.
Quarterback Ray Miles has completed 60.5 percent of his passes (184-of-304) for a school record 2,772 yards.
While Mount Union’s defense will attempt to shut down the Red Dragons’ offensive attack, Cortland will have its hands full with the Purple Raiders when they have the football.
Mount Union is first in the nation in scoring offense (47.2 ppg) and total offense (549.7 ypg).
Quarterback Greg Micheli leads Division III in passing efficiency (214.4), while Division III’s all-time leading rusher Nate Kmic is tops in scoring (18 pg), second in rushing (180.4 ypg) and fifth in all-purpose yards (205.3 ypg). Receiver Cecil Shorts averages more than 100 receiving yards per contest.
“He [Kmic] is an excellent running back with a really good feel for his offensive line,” said Cortland coach Dan MacNeill. “This appears to be the best offensive line we have faced and you have to be able to tackle well to slow Kmic down. You have to fill the hole and make a play.”
The Red Dragons are hoping to disrupt Mount Union’s offensive juggernaut with a brand of defense the Purple Raiders have not faced this season. Cortland plays a 50 defense, featuring five down lineman.
That defensive scheme has paid dividends in the form of 7.8 tackles for loss per game this season and allowing just 93.8 rushing yards per contest.
“Our defense is playing extremely well right now and take stopping the run and force the opposition to become one-dimensional,” said MacNeill. “We try a variety of different looks, coverages and blitz to do this.”
In last week’s 42-0 win over of Curry, the Red Dragons shut out a team that had scored 40 or more points in seven games in 2008.
Jim Smith leads the team with 112 tackles, the most by a Red Dragon since Sam Owens’ 128 stops in 1993.
D.J. Romano leads Cortland with five interceptions and shares the team lead with Joe Lopez with nine pass breakups. Bryan Wiley has team highs of 5.5 sacks and 14.5 total tackles for losses.
“There is a euphoric feeling within our program and on campus. Everyone is excited, but understands the challenge that is in front of us this week taking on Mount Union.,” said MacNeill.
“I have had a chance to see Mount Union play at the Stagg Bowl when I was a member of the NCAA Football Committee and I have a great deal of respect for Coach Kehres and the type of program he has put together. We are excited about that adventure.”