ARKADELPHIA, AR- The campus will be reeling on Saturday, as the Ouachita Tigers (4-2, 3-0 GAC) will be hosting the Muleriders of Southern Arkansas (2-5, 1-3 GAC) come to Arkadelphia and try to take away the Tigers' undefeated conference record. The Tigers come into the game after defeating Southwestern Oklahoma State in a 48-38 contest. The Muleriders are coming into the game after blowing the wheels off of Arkansas Tech, winning by a final score of 49-17.

The Tiger offense beat SWOSU on the ground, scoring seven touchdowns through their rushing offense. Leading the team was sophomore Chris Rycraw, who finished with a career high 122 yards and three touchdowns, which were complemented by junior Daniel McGee's 99 yards and three touchdowns. The Tiger offense combined for 305 yards on the ground, averaging six yards per carry and stumping the Bulldog defense. Junior quarterback Casey Cooper added a rushing touchdown of his own to go along with his 101 passing yards in the match-up. Junior Brett Reece led all receivers, collecting two catches for 46 yards.

The Tiger defense is going to be looking to their secondary this week, as they look to slow down the Southern Arkansas passing attack. They will be relying on junior safety Dijon Benton to lead his unit and keep the Muleriders out of the endzone. So far this year, Benton has registered 35 tackles, as well as two interceptions. One of those interceptions resulted in six points, as he took it 38 yards into the end zone. Senior Terrence Garrett and junior Augustine Ume-Ezeoke will be looking to help the secondary by providing a solid second level of protection for the Tiger defense. Garrett currently leads the team with 37 tackles, including a sack and a forced fumble. Ume-Ezeoke has collected 35 tackles for himself this season, while also registering a tackle for loss, an interception, three pass break ups and a forced fumble.

Taking a look at the other side of the field, the Mulerider passing attack has been solid, as Southern Arkansas quarterback Tyler Sykora has currently collected 1552 yards and 12 touchdowns on the season while completing 52 percent of his passes. Receivers to keep an eye on include Rafael Thomas, who currently leads the Muleriders with 32 catches for 430 yards, Damion Atkins, who has gathered 21 catches for 203 yards and three touchdowns, and James King, who currently has 191 yards and two touchdowns on 17 catches. The Mulerider rushing attack is led by Mark Johnson, who has scored eight touchdowns and 612 yards this season while averaging 87 yards per game on the ground.

The Mulerider defense is currently led by A.J. Steele, who has registered 45 tackles on the season, including a tackle for loss. Also notable is Demario Thomas, who is currently sitting at 37 tackles, an interception, four pass break ups and a fumble recovery. The Mulerider defense has forced eight turnovers this season in seven games.

The game will kickoff at 1 p.m. on Saturday at A.U. Williams Field. If the Tigers win, they will move to 4-0 in GAC play and have three remaining Great American Conference match-ups remaining in the season. Over the last three years, the Tigers are 16-7 when playing at home.

-Josh Fink, Sports Information Director