Truman-Quincy Gridiron Rivalry Has Higher Stakes This Year

The Truman-Quincy football rivalry takes on added meaning this year with a 9-1 combined record going into their matchup at Stokes Stadium on Saturday. The Bulldogs are 5-0 and ranked 24th in Coaches Poll and 20th in the D2Football.com Poll. At 4-1, the Hawks are off to their best start since 1994.

Quincy is third in Division II scoring at 51 points per game, while Truman is tenth in points allowed at 14 per game. ‘Dogs coach Gregg Nesbitt says time of possession will be key against the Hawks’ up-tempo offense…..

The Bulldogs are fourth in the country in time of possession (34 minutes).

Last year, Quincy led Truman 19-14 in the second quarter only to watch the Bulldogs score 38 straight points. Hawks coach Gary Bass says they need to avoid turnovers that start that avalanche…..

Truman is 14th in D2 in rush defense allowing just 74 yards per game. Coach Nesbitt says that will even impact passing teams….

Last week, the Bulldogs picked off four passes at McKendree and returned three of the interceptions for touchdowns.

Former Truman Defensive Coordinator and Kahoka, Missouri native Kirby Cannon is in his first season as defensive backs coach at Quincy. Bass says his experience is making a difference….

Truman continues to lead Division II in fewest penalties (15). You can hear the Bulldogs and Quincy from Kirksville this Saturday on Superstation KRES and centralmoinfo.com starting with the Truman Tailgate at 12:15. Brad and Hank will have the call.