By Nick Porter
Game Information
Southern Virginia University (1-1, 0-1 NJAC) vs. No.15 Salisbury University (2-0, 1-0 NJAC)
Date: Saturday, September 24, 2016
Kickoff: 1:00 p.m.
Location: The Fields (Buena Vista, Va.)
Live Stats
Video
Career vs. Sea Gulls: 0-1, Lost last season at Salisbury 91-7.
About the Knights
After a week one win at Earlham College, and a 24-7 loss at Frostburg State, Southern Virginia comes into their home opener with a 1-1 record to face No. 15 Salisbury University.
The Knights average 17.5 points per game and 268 yards of total offense. Michael Frye leads Southern Virginia rushers with 55 yards per game, followed by Seth Hanson and Lakeith Hopkins who have recorded 49.5 and 48.0 yards per game, respectively.
Defensively the Knights average three takeaways per game.
Neil Davis was named NJAC Defensive Player of the Week and Keenan Galeai earned NJAC Offensive Rookie of the Week after their performances in week one.
Southern Virginia Coach Joe DuPaix
Coach DuPaix comes to Southern Virginia from Brigham Young where he served two seasons (2011-12) as the Cougar's recruiting coordinator and running backs coach. Working under then head coach Bronco Mendenhall, DuPaix was part of the staff that led the Cougars to an 18-8 overall record, including back-to-back bowl wins and a 10-win season in 2011.
Before BYU, DuPaix coached the slot backs at the United States Naval Academy. During his three years in Annapolis, the Midshipmen appeared in three consecutive bowl games, won two Commander-In-Chief trophies and ranked in the top-ten nationally for rushing offenses each season. He was also part of Navy's 10-win season in 2009.
Two weeks ago Coach DuPaix led the Knights to their season-opening win at Earlham College. The Knights defeated the Quakers 28-18.
Outlook from Coach DuPaix
We are really excited this week to be playing at home and be around supporters and fans and students.
Our focus in practice this week has been on preparing for a really good football team. As a ranked team Salisbury is sound, physical and well coached, and we need to be prepared to play a great team in every aspect.
Offensively we have been working on being sound in our assignments and making the right blocks. Adjustments in those areas will lead to more first downs and better offensive production.
In order to win this weekend, we need to take great care of the football. We can't turn the ball over. We also need to play great on special teams and win the special teams battle (Kickoffs, punts and returns). That is a huge part of the game we have to be phenomenal in.
About the Sea Gulls
According to this week's d3football.com poll, Salisbury University is the 15th best team in Division III football. The Gulls are 2-0 with a 40-20 NJAC victory over Montclair State last week.
Salisbury, co-champion of the NJAC last season, averages 37 points and 460 yards per games and allows just 19 points per game.
Last week punter Tim Steindl was honored as NJAC Special Teams Player of the Week with his two punts pinning Montclair State inside the 20-yard line. Sean Rowland earned the same honors during week one after returning the opening kickoff 92 yards for a touchdown.
