Led by young standouts like sophomore nose tackle Zach Machuga (45), the Waynesburg defense has held opponents to the second-fewest yards per game (311.3 ypg) in the PAC. Machuga ranks second in the conference in both sacks (4.0) and tackles for loss (8.5).
Game Notes (.pdf)Â
Waynesburg University (3-0, 1-0) at Bethany College (2-1, 1-0)
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When: Saturday, Sept. 27
Where: Bethany, West Virginia (Bison Stadium)
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Radio: 99.5-FM WCYJ, Webcast can be heard at
http://vp.telvue.com/player?id=T01595&video=23812Â
Live Video:
http://portal.stretchinternet.com/bethanywv/Â
Livestats:
http://portal.stretchinternet.com/bethanywv/Â
Series Breakdown
All-Time Series: Waynesburg leads 29-17-7
First Meeting: 1899 (Waynesburg won 28-0)
Last Meeting: 2013 (Bethany won 27-20)
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Things to Watch For:
- Last week, Waynesburg defeated Geneva 44-38 in double-overtime. It was Waynesburg's first overtime victory since 1997. Bethany also triumphed in extra time in week three by downing Westminster 21-14.
 - Two of the PAC's top three wide receiver will be in action on Saturday as Bethany junior Eric Blinn will be on the same Bison Stadium turf as Waynesburg senior Bernie Thompson. Blinn leads the PAC in receptions (24) and ranks fourth in receiving yards (246). Thompson is second in the conference catches (22) and second in receiving yards (320).
 - Speaking of conference leaders, two of the league's most productive defensive linemen will showcase their talents on Saturday. Bethany junior Nadim Raddar ranks first in the PAC in tackles for loss (9.0) and sacks (6.5). Waynesburg counters with sophomore Zach Machuga, who has racked up 8.5 tackles for loss and 4.0 sacks in 2014.
 - Despite losing over half its starters from last year, the Waynesburg defense has moved to the upper echelon of the PAC. Going into Saturday's contest, the Yellow Jackets rank second in total defense (311.3 ypg), first in pass defense (185.3 ypg), second in sacks (nine) and first in third-down defense (12.5 percent conversion).
 - Both Waynesburg and Bethany have struggled with penalty yardage this fall. The Yellow Jackets have been hit for an average 72.3 yards per game (fourth most in the conference), while the Bison have yielded the third-most penalty yardage in the PAC (76.7). However, the Jackets have also been the biggest beneficiary of referees' calls, picking up an average of 93.7 yards per game off officials' flags.
 - If the Jackets can get inside the Bison 20-yard-line, their chances of picking up six points are among the best in the conference. Bethany has allowed 12 touchdowns and three field goals over 17 opponent possessions in the red zone.
