Reading, Pa. (Oct. 7, 2022) - Alvernia University is set to host Wilkes University in a MAC Football matchup on Saturday at noon as part of Alvernia's Homecoming and Family Weekend.

The 1-3 Golden Wolves are coming off a 32-6 loss to Lebanon Valley last weekend. Wilkes is 3-1 overall and 2-1 in MAC play and is coming off a 27-0 win over Albright last weekend.

Inside the Series:
Wilkes leads the series 3-0 over Alvernia, but the two teams have never met on Alvernia's campus. Alvernia and Wilkes met in a neutral site game at FirstEnergy Stadium in Alvernia's first season. 

At Wilkes last season, Alvernia fell to the Colonels 23-0. The Golden Wolves kept Wilkes off the board in the first and fourth quarters, and allowed just three points in the first half. But, Alvernia gave up 20 points coming out of the half to propel Wilkes to the 23-0 win.

Scouting the Golden Wolves:
Alvernia is averaging 22.3 points per game to sit fifth overall in the MAC. The Golden Wolves offense is second in the MAC in total production with 345 yards per game. Alvernia is also averaging 5.7 yards per play. 

Alvernia's offense is 10-12 on trips to the red zone with one field goal and nine touchdowns scored when inside the 20. 

Alvernia's defense is 10th in the MAC, allowing 424.5 yards per game and giving up six yards a play. Alvernia's defense has given up 21 scoring plays when allowing opponents into the red zone. The Golden Wolves have allowed 16 touchdowns and five field goals. 

Alvernia's Keys to the Game:
Win Time of Possession: Wilkes has the highest producing offense in the MAC, so limiting the Colonels' offensive time on the field will be key for Alvernia. Going into Saturday's matchup, the Golden Wolves are averaging just 26:52 minutes of possession a game. Wilkes is only slightly ahead of Alvernia with 28:39 per game.

Pressure the Quarterback: Wilkes' sophomore quarterback Isaiah Rodriguez is entering Saturday the most efficient quarterback in the MAC with a quarterback efficiency of 145.7 yards and is second in the MAC with 212.8 passing yards a game. Alvernia's defense will need to find a way to interrupt Rodriguez's rhythm and force the sophomore QB into mistakes.

Win Up Front: Wilkes has a towering offensive line that is highlighted by first year right tackle Anthony Messina at 6-8, 260 lbs. The Golden Wolves will need to work through and around them to make some plays in the backfield and slow down the run. Wilkes' defensive front was key in leading Wilkes to its first shutout of the season last week against Albright. Alvernia's offensive line will need to give quarterback Kevin Washington time to get to work, as well as make room for EJ Lee at running back.

Golden Wolves to Watch:
Kevin Washington - Quarterback: Washington will get the start behind center for the second straight week for the Golden Wolves. Washington went 11-for-15 last week against Lebanon Valley, throwing for 62 yards. 

Neeko Scurlock - Wide Receiver: Scurlock continues to be the favorite target for Alvernia. He has 15 receptions for 158 yards for the Golden Wolves, averaging 10.5 yards a catch. 

EJ Lee - Running Back: Lee continues to be a playmaker for the Golden Wolves. The graduate student is averaging 82.5 yards a game on the ground and five yards a carry. He has three rushing touchdowns for the Golden Wolves. Lee is also a consistent target for Alvernia's quarterbacks - with 14 receptions on the year for 136 yards and a touchdown. Overall, Lee is averaging over 110 yards of total offense a game.
 
Taron Gale - Safety: Gale has been a strong presence in the Golden Wolves secondary. The first year defensive back has two interceptions on the year and 19 tackles, including 12 solo takedowns. 
 
Tajon Whiten - Linebacker:  Whiten is second in the MAC with 41 tackles on the season and is averaging 10.3 tackles per game. Whiten has two base breakups on the year and one tackle for a loss.

Scouting the Colonels:
Wilkes is averaging a MAC leading 34.5 points a game, and are one of three schools in the MAC to score 19 touchdowns so far this season. Wilkes averages nearly 400 yards of total offense a game and close to seven yards per play.

Wilkes is 9-for-13 when making a trip into the red zone. The Colonels have scored eight touchdowns and one field goal. They have found slightly more success with the run inside the 20 - scoring seven touchdowns on the ground compared four in the air.

The Wilkes defense is allowing just 250.8 yards per game and gives up an average of four yards a play. The Colonels have sacked the quarterback eight times on the year and have three interceptions on the year, including one for a touchdown.

Colonels to Watch:

Isaiah Rodriguez - Quarterback: The sophomore quarterback for the Colonels is leading the MAC in efficiency with a rating of 145.7. He is averaging a 53% completion rating and throws for an average of 212.8 yards a game.

Elijah Jules - Running Back: Jules enters the game as the leading running back throughout the MAC. He is averaging exactly 100 yards a game on the round and averages 8.7 yards a touch. He has rushed for 400 total yards this season on 46 attempts.

Nate Whitaker - Wide Receiver: Whitaker has a Wilkes leading 13 receptions for 230 yards this season. He is averaging 17.7 yards a catch and 57.5 yards a game. Whitaker has also scored two touchdowns for the Colonels.

Brandon Holcomb - Linebacker: Holcomb enters Saturday averaging 10.3 tackles a game and has 41 tackles on the season. The linebacker has 1.5 tackles for a loss, one interception, one pass breakup, and one quarterback hurry on the year.
 
Angel Ramos - Defensive Tackle: Ramos makes his presence know in the offensive backfield for Wilkes. He has a team-leading six tackles for a loss, including 3.5 sacks for 22 yards. The junior also has 29 total tackles on the season. 

Game Information:
Kickoff is set for 12:00 PM on Alvernia's Turf Field. Tickets will be available for purchase in between the Physical Education Center and Campus Commons. Students ar $4 and adults are $6. Live options are available at auwolves.com/live. The game marks the first of three games hosted at Alvernia on Saturday as part of Homecoming Weekend. After the football game, Alvernia will host Messiah University in a women's and men's soccer doubleheader.