SERIES HISTORY
Evangel leads the all-time series 7-4 after winning in Ozark last season, 21-19. The Crusaders are 4-1 at home, however, just 3-3 in Nebraska.
OPENING STORYLINES
► Evangel hits the road for the first time in 2018, traveling to Peru State. The Crusaders look to win their fourth straight, while the Bobcats are in search of their first win of the season after a 42-21 loss at Central Methodist on Saturday.
►Evangel leads the all-time series 7-4 after winning in Ozark last season, 21-19. The Crusaders are 4-1 at home, however, just 3-3 in Nebraska.
►Saturday's game will mark the top-ranked rush defense for the Crusaders against the conference's top rushing attack at Peru State. The Bobcats option attack enters averaging 297 yards per game on the ground while Evangel is allowing just 87.3 yards per game which is also 14th best in NAIA football.
►With a 3-0 start to the season, Evangel has its best start since the 2003 season. During the 2003 season, the Crusaders finished 6-4 overall during that season. The last time Evangel started 4-0 was the undefeated regular season finish in 2001.
►The Evangel defense continues to spend time in opponent's backfields ranking second in the nation in total sacks with 13 through three games. After seven sacks against Grand View, the Crusaders sacked the Benedictine quarterback four times and added eight tackles for a loss.
►Along the defensive line, Andreas Moeller and Telacey Wilder have helped play havoc in the backfield. Wilder ranks second in the nation in tackles for a loss, while Moeller ranks fourth in the nation. A native of Pensacola, Fla, Wilder is also among the nation's leaders in sacks ranking sixth with 3.5 on the young season.
►Senior wide receiver, Dallas Hester, has also raised his name among the national rankings and the Evangel record books. Hester is 16th in receiving yards nationally and has moved into 8th all-time in receiving yards at Evangel with, 1,918 yards. He is 167 yards from seventh and Dimitrius Breedlove's mark of 2,085.
LOOKING AHEAD
Evangel returns home for the Heart Game of the Week next Saturday against Culver-Stockton. Kickoff is scheduled for 2:30 p.m. and can be seen regionally on Mediacom, KSMO in Kansas City and ESPN3 and the Watch ESPN App.
For the latest information on Evangel Athletics, follow the Crusaders on Facebook at Facebook.com/EUAthletics or go to www.EvangelAthletics.com. Fans can also receive updates on the team by downloading the Go Evangel Front Row App at EvangelAthletics.com/FrontRow available on Google Play and in the App Store.
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