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Rowan has won all seven previous meetings against Western Connecticut. The Profs travel to Danbury for a evening kickoff of 6 pm Saturday. Rowan dominated the Colonials last year, winning 49-18.

Western Connecticut State lost at home last week to SUNY Morrisville, 25-17 on Saturday. Quarterback James Williams passed for 148 yards and one touchdown.

In the middle of the this decade, it was beginning to look like Western Connecticut was about to take the next step and move into the top tier of NJAC football programs. After a .500 record in 2006, the Colonials have only won six games the past two seasons. They are 0-4 thus far this season, and except for a blowout against Albright 48-7, they have been in most games.

It appears that West Conn has had trouble generating enough offense this season. 227 total yards of offense with 90 yards rushing per game isn’t going to get it done in the NJAC when the rest of the league averages 357.7 yards of total offense. It doesn’t get much better on defense for the Colonials as they give up 403 yards per game while the rest of the league give up an average of 341 yards. They are last in pass defense and next to last in pass defense efficiency.

Quarterback James Williams is the team’s leading rusher and passer. Williams has compiled 517 yards passing with two touchdowns, completing 55 of 101 attempts. He has tallied 160 rushing yards and one TD on 43 attempts. In the conference, Williams ranks 10th in passing (129.2) and total offense (169.2). He is 11th in pass efficiency (98.0) and 14th in rushing (40.0).

Wayne Neal is Western Connecticut’s top scorer with 24 points. He has racked up 70 rushing yards and a team best four touchdowns on 31 carries. Neal has added 10 receptions for 89 yards, which is second on the team. He is tied for sixth in the NJAC in scoring (6.0).

This is a big trap game. Rowan should be able to pass at will, and with the defense spread out run at will. However, a team like Western Connecticut can ruin a season at this point. The Profs have a few of these games coming up. Rowan needs to focus on good special teams, limit stupid penalties, and pressure the quarterback. West Conn has given up the second most sacks in the league at 13. Get pressure, and the Profs should increase their +6 turnover margin. The Colonials have –1 turnover margin. As long as the mid-season in synch Rowan team shows up, a win should be forthcoming.