Govs set to defend the Fort in 2019 opener against NCCU
CLARKSVILLE — It's finally here.
After more than nine months of anticipation, the hiring of a highly-respected head coach, two quality signing days, an aggressive spring session and immersive summer camp, the 2019 football season kicks off under the lights at Fortera Stadium for Austin Peay State University in a 7 p.m., Thursday, contest against North Carolina Central.
Year One of the Mark Hudspeth era begins, but many of the key faces on both sides of the ball are veterans familiar to Governor fans. On offense, Jeremiah Oatsvall returns firmly entrenched as quarterback, and will be responsible for getting preseason All-American back Kentel Williams, along with leading returning receiver DeAngelo Wilson, the ball with plenty of space to work. Defensively, walk-on turned All-OVC standout Juantarius Bryant captains an elite secondary stuffed with veteran playmakers, while Pat Walker will be tasked with replacing three-time All-OVC choice Gunnar Scholato's production at linebacker.
Notably
This is Austin Peay's first regular-season opener at home since 2015. The Govs look to win the home opener for the third consecutive season—Austin Peay last won three straight home openers in 2009-11.
Perhaps even more than in a typical game, this will be won or lost on third downs. Last season, North Carolina Central converted just 25.2 percent of third-down attempts, ranking 123rd nationally among FCS teams. However, the Eagles stymied opposing offenses on third down, surrendering conversions at a 28.2 percent clip which ranked sixth.
Kentel Williams needs two rushing touchdowns to tie Ryan White and Mike Lewis for fifth all-time with 17.
Hudspeth looks to become the first Austin Peay head coach to win his debut since Rick Christophel in 2007.
This is Austin Peay's first Thursday night home contest since Oct. 10, 2013—which also served as that season's home opener.
The Govs have surrendered just 13 points in the last two home openers, and are allowing 17.5 ppg in their last 10 home contests.
Jeremiah Oatsvall needs 77 passing yards to pass Dale Edwards for seventh all-time. He also needs 30 rushing yards to become the third quarterback in Austin Peay history with 1,000 career rushing yards.
The Govs seek their first win in the regular season opener since 2010.
In addition to preseason All-America honors, Williams was one of two Govs named preseason All-OVC, joining offensive lineman Kyle Anderton, who will anchor a line that lost four starters to graduation. Oatsvall was named to the College Football Performance Awards Performer of the Year preseason watch list.
Six PATs by Logan Birchfield would tie him with Stephen Stansell for second all-time with 98. With eight, he'd become just the second player in program history to reach the century mark.
In addition to the traditional fare along Tailgate Alley, fans are invited to visit Stache Street, located along Marion Street in front of Fortera Stadium and the Foy Fitness Center, along with an expanded VIPeay End Zone Experience for 2019.
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