#13 University of the Cumberlands (7-1, 3-1) had something to prove Saturday after suffering their first Mid-South Conference loss in 15 games to Georgetown last Saturday. The Patriots responded well with a 44-14, victory over West Virginia Tech in the College Fanz NAIA Game of the Week.

Cumberlands totaled 620 yards of total offense. 453 yards came on the Patriots’ ground attack.

“I felt like we were in a dog fight in the first half,” said University of the Cumberlands Head Coach John Bland. “In the second we moved the chains and had some big plays on the ground. The offensive line did a great job today and got good push up front.”

In the beginning of the game, both teams went back and forth. That would change with 5:03 in the first quarter when quarterback Jay Bright (Fayetteville, GA) scored on a 34 yard touchdown run. After the extra point was good by Justin Dyer (Woodburn, KY) the Patriots were up, 7-0. On the next possession the Golden Bears answered with a 4 yard touchdown run by Jamel Shelton making the score, 7-7.

The Patriots wasted little time in getting the lead back with a 4 yard touchdown catch from Justin Pritchett (Dayton, TN). With the PAT, the Patriots led, 14-7. To close out the first half Cumberlands ended on two scoring drives. The first scoring drive was a touchdown run of 37 yards from Tyler Paschal (Trotwood, OH). After the extra point was blocked, the Patriots were up, 20-7. The second score came late with a 25 yard field goal from Justin Dyer with 1 second to go in the half giving Cumberlands the 23-7 lead going into the locker room.

The second half started off slow, but with 2:52 remaining in the third Coheleach Holmes (Hixson, TN) scored on a 15 yard touchdown run. The Patriots were up 30-7 after the score. On the next possession for the Patriots, Fred Byers Jr. (College Park, GA) scored on a 4 yard touchdown run giving Cumberlands the lead 37-7.

The Golden Bears got back on the board with a 25 yard touchdown pass from Michael Scott to Gary Johnson. To close out the game for the Patriots Shawn Bryant (Boston, GA) scored on a 2 yard run, giving the Patriots the win 44-14.

The Patriots were led offensively by Jay Bright who had 6 carries for 70 yards and a touchdown. Also, Bright was 10 for 15 for 167 yards and a touchdown. For the running backs Fred Byers led the way with 11 carries for 118 yards and a touchdown. Justin Pritchett had a big day receiving with 2 catches for 45 yards and a touchdown.

Defensively, PJ Hughes (Macon, GA) was all over the field with 11 tackles. Those 11 tackles gave Hughes 306 total tackles for a career, which moved him to third all-time for tackles in a career. Victor Smith (Knoxville, TN) tallied an interception for the game.

“It feels good to be 7-1,” said Bland. “We must get ready to play against Campbellsville. They just beat Georgetown and they are a very improved team.”

Cumberlands will host Campbellsville University on Saturday October 31, 2009 for senior day and their last home game of the regular season. Kick-off is scheduled for 1:30 PM at Taylor, II Stadium in Williamsburg, KY.

To watch the Cumberlands in College Fanz NAIA Game of the Week anytime visit www.collegefanz.com.