After traveling across the country and suffering its first loss of the season, the Mercer University football team returns home to face Valparaiso Saturday at noon for another Pioneer Football League contest.
The Crusaders (1-4, 1-1) opened the season with three consecutive losses, giving up more than 46 points per game, but have since opened their PFL schedule with an overtime win over Campbell and a loss on the road at Marist. Valparaiso is looking to win multiple games in a season for the first time since 2008 when the squad went 3-8 overall.
Eric Hoffman leads the Valpo attack with 1,386 passing yards, 11 touchdowns and four interceptions, while Jake Hutson’s 338 rushing yards and 84.5 yards per game ranks sixth in the PFL.
The Crusaders rank No. 11 in the PFL in total defense and last in pass defense and punting, but have taken care of the ball and are third in the league with a +2 turnover margin. Following a matchup with Mercer, the Crusaders return home to host Morehead State before traveling to Drake.
Game six of the 2013 season will feature a noon kickoff at Mercer University Stadium as the Bears look to get back on track and remain perfect at home.
