Ikechi Emeaghara isn't feeling any added pressure as the University of Findlay football team prepares for its next Great Lakes Intercollegiate Athletic Conference challenge.
Never mind that the Oilers are playing No.24 Saginaw Valley State, a team they have never beaten, in a stadium where they have lost in their last two trips by a combined score of 86-10.
And never mind that the winner of this game gains an inside track to the NCAA Division II playoffs while the loser has only a hope and a prayer.
Emeaghara, a redshirt junior defensive back, welcomes the challenge of playing the Cardinals at noon Saturday at Wickes Memorial Stadium with open arms, and for good reason.
UF and SVSU, both 7-2 overall, are tied for second in the GLIAC at 6-2. The Cardinals are fifth in the Super Region 3 ratings and the Oilers are seventh. The top six teams make the D-II playoffs.
It sure beats playing a game where only pride is on the line in week 10.
"That is all we were playing for at this time last year," Emeaghara said. "This year, we have a great opportunity in front of us. We're reaching for the lights. It's crunch time and we know we have to perform at a high level."
The Oilers are coming off a 9-6 win over Northern Michigan. The Wildcats came into that game averaging 35 points and 393 yards per game. They finished with 233 yards.
SVSU has put up big numbers as well, scoring 30 or more points in five of its last six games. The Cardinals, who defeated Michigan Tech 38-28 last week, are averaging 374.2 yards and rely heavily on their passing attack.
Junior quarterback Chuck Dowdell, a transfer from Indiana State, has thrown for 1,644 yards and nine touchdowns while being picked off 10 times.
His top target is senior tight end Galen Stone (35 catches, 490 yards, 5 TDs).
It is an offense that will force a talented UF secondary to be at its best.
The Oilers have tallied a league-best 12 interceptions, have 44 pass breakups and rank 22nd nationally (159 ypg) in pass defense.
Emeaghara and Anthony Fields lead the team with three interceptions apiece while Donte Johnson and Bryon Rizzi each have two.
"We have confidence in ourselves and we know where the help is on the field. That allows us to play extra hard," Emeaghara said. "Our defensive line has had a lot to do with our success in the secondary. We just have to prepare like we have all year and know our responsibilities."
Third-year UF head coach Jon Wauford has been pleased with the play of his secondary, particularly with the leadership Fields, a senior, has provided. He said the defensive backfield will be tested much like it was last week by NMU quarterback Carter Kopach.
"There are a lot of similarities between the two quarterbacks. They both make plays with their arms and feet," Wauford said. "But you also have to respect their ability to run the ball. We can't focus on just one and expect to be successful."
Defensively, the Cardinals are allowing 311.2 yards per game and are plus five (20-15) in the turnover margin. Senior linebacker John Jacobs has led the effort with 110 tackles and four interceptions.
SVSU was rocked 38-7 by Grand Valley State in September but has won five of its last six games. The other loss was 23-20 to Northern Michigan.
Second-year head coach Jim Collins said he is hardly surprised by the Oilers' success.
"They were a good football team last year when they finished 2-9. The difference this season is they are doing the things it takes to win games," Collins said. "They are playing with confidence, they have a balanced offense and their turnover success is very impressive."
The Oilers are plus 15 in turnover margin (25-15).
"We have a chance to do something no other UF team has done and that is to beat Saginaw Valley," Wauford said. "It's a unique opportunity and it's something that appeals to our players."
Saginaw Valley State
Record: 7-2 overall, 7-2 Great Lakes Intercollegiate Athletic Conference.
Head Coach: Jim Collins (14-5, 2nd season)
Series: UF trails 7-2.
Key Players: QB Charles Dowdell (124-of-218, 1,644 yards, 9 TDs, 10 INTs); RB Xavier Walker (121 carries, 581 yards, 10 TDs); WR Galen Stone (35 catches, 490 yards, 5 TDs); WR Andrew Beaver (22, 282, 2); WR Nick Gallina (19, 345, 3); LB John Jacobs (110 tackles, 4 INTs); LB Mike LeVand (96 tackles, 8 sacks); DB Matt Peterson (43 tackles); DB Carlton Downs (40 tackles, 3 INTs).
Noteworthy: Collins coached at Capital University for 11 seasons and won three Ohio Athletic Conference Coach of the Year Awards. ... Walker's 111 yards in 38-28 win over Michigan Tech on Saturday marked first time a running back has gone over 100 yards in a game this season. ... Running backs coach Andre Griffin is the son of Ohio State legend Archie Griffin. He played at OSU from 1998-2001. ... SVSU has made five trips to postseason in a decade.
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