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Case Western Reserve University's independent student news source

The Observer

Case Western Reserve University's independent student news source

The Observer

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Home sweet home, Spartans seek third straight victory

Last week, the Case Western Reserve University football team shut out the Hiram Terriers by a score of 35-0. Tomorrow, Saturday, Sept. 15, it will open the home portion of the 2012 season against Frostburg State University. The victory against Hiram improved Case to 2-0 and an astounding 50-6 since the beginning of the 2007 season. The Frostburg State Bobcats, who lost at Waynesburg University last weekend by a score of 21-7, are 1-1 on the season.

Nice to Meet You

The Spartans and Bobcats will meet for the first time on the gridiron. Case has not played a representative of the Empire 8 Conference since a 14-0 loss at home to Alfred University in 2005. Frostburg State has only met with one current UAA member, Carnegie Mellon University, which CMU won.

The Spartans
With only two games played in 2012, the Spartans look like they are already in mid-season form. Case averages 30.5 points, 175 yards rushing, 245.5 yards passing and 420.5 total yards. The defense has been holding the fort down, limiting the opposition to 11.5 points, 40.5 yards rushing, 228.5 yards passing, and a total of 269 yards per game. The Spartans currently have a -2 turnover ratio after leading the UAA with +12 last season.

Players to Watch
Quarterback Erik Olson – Saying Olson’s last game was anything but extraordinary would be an understatement. In two games, the senior has completed 32 of 48 passes for 473 yards for four touchdowns, including three just last week.
Running back Kenny Riordan – The junior has a team-high 209 yards rushing on 30 carries and is averaging nearly seven yards per carry. Riordan also has a touchdown to go with his 30 carries.
Linebacker Ryan Ferguson – Ferguson has recorded a team-best 18 tackles and a forced fumble. Of his 18 tackles, there were six solo tackles, which ties him for the best on the Spartan defense.

The Bobcats
Through the first two games, the Bobcats averaged 31.5 points, 164.5 yards rushing, 262 yards passing, and 426.5 total yards. Frostburg St. defense has allowed opponents to an average of 37 points per game, 186 yards rushing, 339.5 yards passing, and 525.5 total yards per game. The Cats have a +3 turnover ratio.

Players to Watch

Quarterback Ken Emmons – The sophomore has completed 31 of 57 (54.4%) for 524 yards and four touchdowns. Emmons has also rushed 42 yards with a pair of scores.

Running back Chuky Iweh – Iweh has 191 yards rushing on 40 carries, average 4.8 yards per carry, with two touchdowns.

Defensive back Brendon Blanchette – The senior leads the team with 28 tackles, including 20 solo stops.

Linebacker Joshua Pennington – The junior has 16 stops, including 11 solo, with a pass break-up.

Making Some Noise
Sophomore Sean Lapcevic, the Spartans’ top wide receiver, has set career highs for receiving yards in each of the first two games this season. During week one against Marietta College, Lapcevic caught four passes for 81 yards. At Hiram last Saturday, he eclipsed 100 yards for the first time and finished with 132 yards receiving.

Prediction: CWRU 28 Frostburg State 10
This may be the first time the Spartans meet up with the Bobcats, but home field advantage will be in Case’s favor. The offense will cool off a bit from last week, but look for the Spartans to continue their dominance, especially on defense. Frostburg State will have its hands full on defense dealing with the Spartan running duo of Sicre and Riordan.

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