Ten hours and 20 minutes. That’s the approximate time the Ouachita Tigers spent traveling to Omaha to match up with the Mavericks of Nebraska-Omaha for the first time in school history tonight. Omaha, previously ranked No.12 before a season opening loss to Nebraska-Kearney, posted a 7-5 record in 2009.
The Mavericks are facing an identical situation. The Tigers are regarding their run game, losing their top two rushers of 2009 to graduation leaving senior Duane Bowen and freshman James Franklin III to handle rushing duties. The Tigers defense will be tested, however, as the Mavericks are doing anything but struggling on the ground with Bowen and Franklin gaining 109 and 110 yards, respectively, in the loss to Nebraska-Kearney. Linebacker Terrance Garrett and defensive tackles Taurus Williams and Bryan Church will have to be on their game for the Tigers to have any chance of slowing down the Mavericks’ stable
of backs.
Omaha also graduated a quarterback, Greg Wunderlich who finished 2009 with 2,744 yards passing and 21 touchdowns. Taking over the reins of the Maverick offense is sophomore quarterback John Teigland, who seamlessly transitioned into the role of field general for the Mavericks against Kearney. Teigland was 15 of 20 for 170 yards, throwing a touchdown and an interception. The recipient of the touchdown was wide receiver Brian Miller, who finished the day with six receptions for 71 yards.
The key to victory for the Tigers could very well reside in their passing game. Nebraska-Kearney quarterback Jake Spitzlberger was able to complete 22 of 40 passes for 290 yards against the Omaha defense with running back Rustin Dring and receiver Kyle Kaiser combining for 220 yards receiving. If Tiger quarterback Eli Cranor and wide receiver Brett Reece can play like they did against Texas College, it could be another long day for the Maverick secondary again tonight.
A potential hindrance lies in the Tigers’ ground game. Only one of the major contenders for the starting job managed to average over four yards per rush, with Ricky Brown averaging 7.1 yards per attempt on his way to an eight rush, 57 yard performance. The success of the Tigers’ ground game will hinge on offensive linemen Roy Richard, Cory Godbolt and Kyle Smith, dealing with a very experienced Mavs defensive front seven.
Tonight is shaping up to be a real non-conference thriller for both sides, and will be a valuable test for the Tigers before beginning conference play by hosting Arkansas- Monticello next Saturday.
Sports Editor, Townsend Keller
