Teams: UC Davis vs. Winston-Salem State
Records: Aggies, 2-3; Rams, 0-5
Where: Aggie Stadium
When: Saturday at 6 p.m.
Who to watch: After several strong performances this year, it’s clear that wide receiver Chris Carter is having a great season.
He’s currently tied for third in the Football Championship Subdivision in catches per game (8.6) and ranks 11th in yards per game (92.4). He set a school record against Montana with 18 catches for a career-best 190 yards.
“He’s the most complete receiver we’ve ever had,” said coach Bob Biggs. “He’s fearless, he’ll catch the ball over the middle, he’s a great blocker, he’s got a great pair of hands and he can get in and out of routes.”
With all of his great numbers this season, he has still yet to score a touchdown in 2009.
Look for Carter to finally find pay dirt this Saturday against the Rams, who are giving up 20.6 points per game this season.
Did you know? This will be the first time UC Davis and Winston-Salem State have matched up on the gridiron. Both Biggs and Rams coach Kermit Blount are in their 17th season as head coach.
Preview: The Aggies return for their homecoming game on Saturday after their dramatic 24-23 overtime victory against South Dakota last week.
They play host to a Rams team in the midst of a 0-5 start to the season and an eight game losing streak dating back to last year.
Many of the Rams’ woes this season can be traced to the offense as Winston-Salem State is averaging just 179.8 yards per game in total offense and a paltry 73.2 yards per game through the air.
Despite their offensive troubles, the Rams’ defense has kept them in games so far this year.
“They’re very athletic,” Biggs said. “It’s deceiving sometimes. They have some playmakers and they play very good defense.”
The Rams rank 35th in the FCS in total defense.
While UC Davis enters Saturday’s contest with the 12th ranked passing offense, the Aggies are ranked 69th in total offense due to a lack of a consistent rushing attack.
And although the Aggies’ leading rusher, Joe Trombetta, is averaging under three yards per carry, Biggs said that he saw improvement last week.
“I thought Joe and [running back Corbin Cutshaw] ran the ball really well and used their eyes,” Biggs said. “There were some glimmers there. I don’t know if we’re going to be a consistent running football team but I was pleased we made some progress.”
– Richard Procter
