Game Notes at Carroll

RIPON, Wis. - Coming off their first conference defeat of the season, a 48-14 home loss to St. Norbert last weekend, the Ripon College football team will aim to put that game in the rear view mirror, as their chances to play for the 2015 MWC Championship remains alive. The Red Hawks (4-2, 1-1 MWC North) will look to avoid their first losing streak of the season and for the eighth time in the last 10 years, will try to begin a season with a 5-2 record. They will do so against Carroll University (3-3, 1-1), who is tied with the Red Hawks for second place in the conference standings.

"When we finish watching film the day after a game, that game is behind us and we start looking forward to the next week," Ripon Head Coach Ron Ernst said. "Our full attention is on Carroll this week and last week's game is in the past."

Ripon's all-time series against Carroll is as close as it can possibly be, as the two teams are tied 30-30-5 after 65 meetings. Not only is the series close, but so are the games, with four of the last five meetings being decided by seven points or less. Carroll has alternated wins and losses in each of their games this season, while Ripon has won three of their last four.

The Red Hawks have been outgained in total yardage in each of their games, but have made the most of their opportunities when it matters most. Ripon is tops in the conference in both red zone offense and red zone defense. They have scored 94 percent of the time they've been inside the 20-yard line, failing to do so just once, and have only allowed their opponent to score 59 percent of the time they've been inside the 20, forcing a league-best four turnovers in that area.

Carroll also leads the league in a couple different categories, including third-down conversions (47.0 percent) and fewest first downs allowed per game (15.7). They are led by the triple threat of quarterback Kyle Burlingame, wide receiver Kevin Jennings, and running back Daniel Arden. Burlingame is third in the MWC in passing yards (225.5 ypg) and touchdown passes (14) and is the reigning MWC Offensive Performer of the Week. Jennings leads the conference in receiving yards (725) and receiving touchdowns (9), while Arden is second in the league in rushing yards (89.4 ypg).

"Carroll is a balanced team that both throws and runs the ball well," Ernst said. "They have an excellent offensive line and a solid quarterback who can both pass and run. We'll have to stop all of the different things they do in order to win the game."

The Pioneers enter the weekend averaging 26.8 points per game, while Ripon is scoring 21.7 points per contest. The Red Hawks will also force a defense that is third in the MWC, allowing 18.2 ppg, and has allowed 13 points or fewer in all three of their victories.

"They are a very aggressive defense with some good athletes," Ernst said. "They run to the ball well and have traditionally been a very physical team, which is something our team will have to match."

Traditionally one of the nation's top rushing teams, Ripon ranks sixth in the MWC in rushing yards this season (186.0), but have scored at least one rushing touchdown in 13 consecutive games, dating back to last season.,

"The biggest thing we need to improve on is communication," Ernst said. "We also must improve our execution and we need to become a more consistent team."

Defensively, Ripon ranks fifth in the league, allowing 22.5 points per game. They are led by defensive backs Bradley Knoblock, Jordan Remsza, and Dakotah Kirchenwitz. Knoblock leads the league in interceptions (6) and passes defended (13), while Kirchenwitz is tied for first in fumbles recovered (2). Remsza is also among the league leaders in passes defended (7) and interceptions (2). That defense has helped Ripon stay in most of their games, as four of their six contests have been decided by five points or less, with three being decided by a single point.

"We've been in every type of game this season, including several close ones, which should help us as the season progresses," Ernst said. "We've had a great week of practice, so I'm anticipating us playing well on Saturday.

Saturday's game will begin at 1 p.m. at Schneider Stadium in Waukesha, Wis. It can be seen live at,http://portal.stretchinternet.com/ripon/.