UU set to host UVa.-Wise

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Fresh off a thrilling comeback victory, the Urbana University football team is seeking to capture back-to-back wins for the first time in two years when it hosts UVa-Wise on Saturday. Kickoff at UU Stadium is scheduled for 1 p.m. with a live stream on UUBlueKnights.com.

UU (3-5, 2-5 MEC) has won two of its past three games with a 35-34 triumph at Charleston last Saturday and 54-7 rout of Cincinnati Christian on Oct. 8. If it weren’t for a fourth quarter meltdown against West Virginia Wesleyan two weeks ago, the Blue Knights could be riding a three-game streak.

However you look at it, though, the reality for Saturday features an improved Blue Knight squad on offense.

UU has averaged 33 points per game during the past three weeks. The last time the Blue Knight offense averaged at least that amount in a three-game span happened during a five-game win streak in 2013.

Quarterback play from Cale Burdyshaw and Tajuan Green, who was named MEC Offensive Player of the Week on Monday, has been largely responsible for the improved performance. The duo has combined to go 52 of 75 (69.3 percent) through the air for 954 yards, 11 touchdowns and just three interceptions.

Last week, Green accounted for five touchdowns and over 400 yards of offense while setting career highs in passing (323 yards) and rushing (88 yards). The week prior, Burdyshaw completed 73 percent of his passes for over 300 yards and three touchdowns.

Green will make his fourth start on Saturday, and will be looking to find wideout Trevon Saunders who is tied for third in the nation with 12 receiving touchdowns. Saunders has caught a touchdown in 13 of the past 15 games, dating back to last season, including two scores at UVa-Wise on Oct. 31, 2015. He totaled 175 yards on seven catches in that matchup which included a 95-yard touchdown.

Saturday will mark the third matchup ever between the Blue Knights and Cavs. Each school has posted a home win in the series as UU claimed the first-ever meeting 24-13 in the 2014 season opener. UVa-Wise won last year’s game, 24-19.

UVa-Wise (5-3, 4-3 MEC) had a four-game win streak snapped following a 58-3 loss to No. 23 Fairmont State last week. The Cavs are looking to secure their first winning season since 2008.

UU quarterback Tajuan Green (pictured) is coming off a big game against Charleston.
https://www.urbanacitizen.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/36/2016/10/web1_uugreen.jpgUU quarterback Tajuan Green (pictured) is coming off a big game against Charleston.

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