Chapman Football Game Notes (11/13/10)
Winning Record Hangs in the Balance
The Panthers' 1-3 start to the season didn't bode well for their hopes of a winning record in 2010. However, Chapman won three straight to end October and sit now at 4-4 heading into its final curtain call. It would take an upset over a possible playoff team in Redlands, but a win on Saturday would give the Panthers their third winning season in four years. A loss and Chapman would equal its 4-5 record from 2009.
Getting Offensive
Chapman will be looking to turn Saturday's matchup at Redlands into a shootout. High-scoring games have fallen in the favor of the Panthers in 2010. Chapman is 4-0 in games when they score 28 points or more. All four Panther wins have come when they tally over 360 offensive yards.
Big on Third Down
Chapman has converted 43 percent of its third downs this season ranking the team No. 53 nationally. The Panthers were 8 of 17 last week in third down opportunities (and 2-for-2 on fourth down), which helped them to a 20-16 edge over Cal Lutheran in first downs.
Senior Farewell
Saturday will mark the final game for more than 25 seniors in a Chapman uniform, including several notables:
RB Akio Lloyd: 1,150 rushing yards, 8 TDs
WR Chris Langstaff: 1,575 receiving yards, 9 TDs
DB Jake Fey: 163 tackles (122 solo)
DE Bob Burton: 28 tackles for loss, 12 QB sacks
Big Bob's Big Game
Burton is coming off of his best game of the season against Cal Lutheran. The defensive end recorded a team-high eight solo tackles, including four for loss, a pair of quarterback sacks and a forced fumble in a 26-7 loss on Saturday. The 6-6 senior moved into fourth place in school history with 12 career sacks. He leads the Panthers with 11.5 tackles for loss and 4.5 quarterback sacks in 2010 and has recorded six QB hurries. Burton's 1.31 tackles for a loss per game is tied for 90th best in Division III.
Passing Game Quieted
During the Panthers' three-game winning streak, their passing game was heavily featured. However, against Cal Lutheran, Chapman was limited to just 139 yards in the air and completed just 40 percent of its pass attempts. Despite Langstaff being held to a season-low three receptions versus the Kingsmen, it was enough for him to become Chapman's all-time receptions leader with 114 career catches. His 78.5 yards receiving per game is still 75th best in Division III.
Adranly Remains Top-10 in Punting
Junior P Jimmy Adranly remains in the top 10 in Division III for punting. The two-sport athlete has averaged 42.0 yards per punt this season, currently ranking No. 7 in the nation. As a team, Chapman ranks No. 11 in the nation in net punting, moving up one spot from last week.
First-Quarter Donuts
The Panthers' defense has been rather stingy when it comes to allowing first-quarter points. Chapman has shutout its opponents in the opening 15 minutes twice in the past four games and has allowed just three first-quarter touchdowns in the past six games. The Panthers have also scored first in three of their past four games.
Chapman vs. Redlands
It has been a very one-sided affair in this rivalry with Redlands holding a 10-3-1 advantage over the past 17 years. The Bulldogs have won three in a row in the series, including a 27-24 win over Chapman in Orange last season. That game was not as close as the score would indicate as Redlands opened up a 27-10 lead in the fourth quarter. Chapman rallied for two touchdowns in 1:17, but a second on-side kick attempt failed and the Bulldogs held on. The Panthers' last win over Redlands came at Ted Runner Stadium in 2006 - a 13-6 defensive battle.
Redlands in 2010
The only blemish on the Bulldogs' record this season was a two-point loss to No. 17-ranked Cal Lutheran back in Week 3. As it turns out, that two-point loss cost them a chance at the SCIAC championship with Cal Lu claiming the automatic playoff berth. Since then Redlands has rattled off five consecutive wins and is vying for an at-large berth into the NCAA Division III playoffs. Chapman can play spoiler with an upset win on Saturday.
Putting 'D' in Redlands
Chapman will face a stout Redlands defense. The Bulldog defense has frustrated the opposition all year ranking 13th in Division III in total defense and is No. 1 ranked in SCIAC in nearly every defensive category. The Panther offensive line will focus on stopping senior DT Alex Ouji who is tied for 72nd for sacks per game in Division III. Chapman is 0-3 when held to less than 20 points in a game.
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Panthers On Air
For the fourth straight year, Chapman University Athletics will partner with the school's on-campus radio station, Chapman Radio, to broadcast the Panthers' football games in 2010 streaming live on the internet at http://www.chapmanradio.com/sports. A rotation of on-air student talent will provide play-by-play and commentary for every down of Chapman football.
Complete game notes: http://chapman.prestosports.com/sports/fball/2010-11/files/CU_Football_Game_Notes_1113.pdf