CHARLESTON, W.Va. - University of Charleston running back Jordan Roberts ran for 47 of his 160 yards in the fourth quarter of the Golden Eagles' stunning upset of West Virginia Conference foe West Virginia Wesleyan, then the No. 11-ranked team in NCAA Division II.
While that doesn't seem significant, considering it is about onefourth of his game total, it proves that Roberts is achieving his game-by-game goal.
"Wearing down a defense," said Roberts, whose breakout junior campaign will conclude beginning at 1 p.m. Saturday when the Golden Eagles (4-6, 4-3 WVC) visit Lakin Field for a showdown with rival West Virginia State (1-8, 1-6). "I think it works in the fourth quarter, because they don't want any part of ... our offense."
Roberts wouldn't say defenses don't want any part of "him," but that could be the crux of the situation that faces the Yellow Jackets.
The 2007 Kennedy Award winner from Scott High School is 12th in NCAA Division II in rushing with 1,201 yards, and averages more yards per carry (6.42) than all but two of the running backs ahead of him on that list.
His value for the Golden Eagles can't be overstated, considering he's second in Division II in all-purpose yards with 2,030 - only 148 behind Jonathan Woodson of Texas A&M-Kingsville.
This season appears to be just the beginning of a beautiful relationship between Roberts and first-year Coach Pat Kirkland's offense.
Roberts has carried the ball 187 times, averaging 6.4 yards per carry with 14 touchdowns. He also is tied for the team lead in receptions with 20 for 204 yards and another score.
He's 26 carries away from setting the single-season record held by Blake Burr, who had 212 in 2005.
While he closes in on All-WVC status, Roberts also could be eyeing a spot on an All-American team.
"I love this offense," said Roberts, who had only 79 carries for 381 yards in former Coach Tony DeMeo's triple-option attack. "I think we're getting better each and every week. I think this is going to carry over to this week and next football season."
Conversely, this season has been somewhat of a nightmare for the State defense. The Yellow Jackets have given up fewer than 30 points only three times, are next-to-last in the WVC in points surrendered per game and nextto- last in rushing yards given up per contest.
Offensively, the Yellow Jackets have improved during the course of the year, despite a running game that couldn't keep its parts healthy.
Senior Fabian Payne, a former South Charleston High star, leads with 425 yards, but has played in eight games. In fact, Roberts has more than 400 yards more rushing yards than State's roster.
Despite the offense's shortcomings, quarterback Ricky Phillips has managed to throw for 2,167 yards and 17 touchdowns.
Senior wide receiver Landon Johnson has 52 receptions for 542 yards, but has a career-low one touchdown. For his career, the 6foot, 185-pounder from Houston, Texas, has 157 catches for 1,966 yards and 14 scores.
In three career games against UC, Johnson has nine receptions for 87 yards and no touchdowns. His average per catch against the Golden Eagles (9.7) is far below his overall career average (12.7).
¦ ¦ ¦
THE GOLDEN Eagles' Aaron Dunlap, a former St. Albans star, needs 11 tackles against State to set the UC single- season record held by Vincent Tweed, who had 92 in 2005. Dunlap is currently fourth with 82.
¦ ¦ ¦
IF UC DOES not return a punt for a touchdown against the Yellow Jackets, it will end a streak of five consecutive seasons with at least one punt return TD.
¦ ¦ ¦
IN 99 GAMES played since the beginning of the 2003 season, the Golden Eagles have only two shutouts - both against West Virginia State.
In fact, the Yellow Jackets haven't scored against the University of Charleston since their 24-21 victory at UC Stadium in 2008.
UC defeated State 42-0 last year and 35-0 in 2009.
Follow the contest against WV State live here at ucgoldeneagles.com with live audio and stats available.
