MORRIS, Minn. – The 2015 football season kicks off tomorrow at 1 p.m. when Minnesota Morris goes on the road to face Hamline University. The Cougars are looking to get the season off in style with a victory. UMM is looking for their first season opening win since 2011 when they beat MacMurray 28-3. Morris last beat Hamline in 1986 winning by a score of 51-21. Minnesota Morris returns two All-UMAC players;
Drew Marshall and
Donnie Mavencamp.
Change of the Guard: Minnesota Morris enters the 2015 season with a new head coach. Veteran coach
Robert Cushman come the Morris from Augustana (Ill.).
New Coach; New Look: For anyone who has watched the Cougars over the last few years were accustom to them throwing the ball. That might change this season with the Cougars moving to an option style offense.
Big Shoes to Fill: The Cougars not only lost
Cody Hickman, who finished his career fourth all-time in NCAA Division III history, but three of their other leading tacklers from last season. The team will rely on returners
Drew Marshall,
Clayton Douvier,
Shain Powers and
Chandler Erickson to lead the defense.
Last year the defense forced 19 turnovers, recovering 12 fumbles and picking off seven passes. They also only gave up 26.9 points per game despite having to be on the field for over half the game.
Arms Race: Donnie Mavencamp returns in 2015 and will be the starting quarterback. He will be called upon to use his arm and feet in the new look offense. He once again will be the UMM punter after being named an All-UMAC punter last season.
Double Threat: The top two receivers are back in 2015. Last year
Evan Guffey and
Kyle Petermeier combined for 62 catches, 859 yard and six touchdowns, totaling nearly 50% of the teams' production through the air.
Rush Hour: Andrew Fellows the leading rusher from last year is back. He was responsible for nearly half of the Cougars rushing yards in 2014.
Last year UMM only rushed for 483 yards and one rushing touchdown. This will have to change in 2015 and most likely will with the increased focus on running the ball.
