The Mount Set to Host Rose-Hulman in HCAC Championship Game

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Who: Rose-Hulman (6-3, 6-0 HCAC)
Where: Cincinnati, Ohio (Schueler Field)
When: Saturday, November 29^th | 1:30 PM
 
It all comes down to this:
Everything we have been playing for all season long comes down to this Saturday at Schuler Field. The No. 22 Mount St. Joseph football team brings in their 9-0 record and 6-0 record into today's matchup with Rose-Hulman. This game is a winner-take-all matchup between the two top teams in the Heartland Collegiate Athletic Conference this season. Who ever comes out victorious this week will represent the HCAC in the NCAA Division III playoffs.

This is the second season in a row that the HCAC title has come down to this matchup. For the Lions it is time for REDEMPTION! A season ago when the two teams met on the turf of Cook Stadium in Terre Haute, Indiana, Rose-Hulman dominated the action.

The Lions are looking to finish the regular season unbeaten for the first time since 2004. They are also looking to return to the Division III playoffs for the first time since 2009. For Rose they are attempting to goto the playoffs for the second season in a row and the third time in the past five years.

This weekend we also celebrate Senior Day for the 2022 Mount St. Joseph football team, prior to the game we will recognize that group. Which includes Cornell Beachem Jr., Jake Ayler, Austin Brock, Evan Crim, Ryan Murray and Patrick Murray.

When the Lions have the ball:
The Lions will continue as has been the norm all season to rely on their superstar backfield duo of Josh Taylor and Cornell Beachem Jr. to lead the way for the offensive efforts. The pair lead a talented group of ball carriers that have the Lions atop the HCAC in rushing yards per game (226.3), yards per carry (6.6) and rushing touchdowns (26).

They also boast the leagues top passing attack, averaging 271.0 yards per game through the air and 28 passing touchdowns. Taylor has a plethora of pass catching options, led by Joey Newton, who has hauled in 33 passes for 565 yards and 7 touchdowns. All told seven different Lions have double-figure catches on the season.

None of this would be possible without a fantastic offensive line in front of Taylor. The group of Sam Martin, Danny Mabe, Devin Salyers, Colin Kandra and Aiden Stuteville have started all nine games
this season. The group has protected Taylor and paved the way for Lions ball carriers all season.

Defensively the Fightin' Engineers are led by senior linebacker Kyzer Bowen who leads the team with 69.0 total tackles with 2.5 sacks. They feature a diverse pass rush, with 12 different players registering at least a half of a sack this season. Riley Roberts leads the team with 3.0 sacks also adding 3 interceptions. Tyce Miller leads the team with an HCAC-high 6 interceptions on the season.

When the Fightin' Engineers have the ball:
Rose-Hulman comes into the contested with the HCAC's second to only the Lions in most offensive categories. They are averaging 40.8 points per game, and second in total offense averaging 423.0 yards per game.

Miguel Robertson has established himself as one of the top quarterback in the HCAC, he leads the league in completion percentage (69.5) and passing touchdowns (27) while throwing only 4 interceptions. Like Taylor, Robertson has a bevy of weapons at his fingertips. That group is led by Daniel Huery who has a league-high 70 receptions on the season, for 817 yards and 10 touchdowns. Jailen Hobbs and Adam Tich-Saliu both have more than 30 receptions this season and have combined for 17 touchdown receptions.
 
Grant Ripperda is the feature back for Rose, he has carried the ball 170 times this season for 768 yards and 7 touchdowns.

Defensively the Lions will look to their outstanding pass rush to help negate the high-flying Rose-Hulman offense. Noah Hammond and his MSJ single-season record tying 10.5 sacks, along with Decklan Brophy and Jack Tucker will have to make things difficult for Robertson and the Rose offense. The Lions also boast an extremely talented group of defensive backs led by DeShawn Starks and his 5 interceptions this season. The backend group will be challenged in this game especially by the Rose-Hulman slot receivers. The linebacking corps which rotates six players, Anthony Wright, Nick Stephenson, Evan Schlensker, Nate Owens, Lucas Bowling and Nicholas Paff while be charged with covering some of the slot receivers and providing run-support.

Up Next:
For the winner of this game, they will move on to the Division III Playoffs, the loser's season is likely over. The Mount would hold out very slim hope at an at-large bid into the playoffs, but with only five such bids nationally it is unlikely.