Oberlin, Ohio – The Oberlin College football team kicks off their season on the road against the rival Kenyon College Lords on Saturday at 2 p.m. After opening past seasons against national powerhouses such as Case Western and Washington & Jefferson, the Yeomen have a great chance at winning its first season opener in the Jeff Ramsey era as well as its first as a program since 1997 when the Yeomen edged Thiel 18-17.

What: Oberlin College Yeomen (0-0, 0-0 NCAC) @ Kenyon College Lords (0-0, 0-0 NCAC)
When: Saturday, September 4, 2 p.m. EST
Where: McBride Field – Gambier, Ohio
Radio: AM- 1320 WOBL l Brian Deitz (play-by-play) l Don Vincent (color)
Web Audio: Listen
Live Stats: TBA
Extra Coverage: The Jeff Ramsey Show brought to you by Lorenzo's Pizzeria & Restaurant, Wednesday, September 1, 8:30 p.m. on AM-1320 WOBL and loraincounty.com.

Series: Oberlin leads the all-time series 38-36-6

Last Meeting Against the Lords: Oberlin lost 21-9 on October 17, 2009 at Savage Stadium.

Last Time out for the Yeomen: Defeated Hiram College 34-29 (11/14/09)

Series Information ...
Oberlin leads the all-time series against the Lords 38-36-6 … Saturday marks the 81st meeting between the two foes with their first meeting coming all the way back in 1892, Oberlin's second year as a program … The Yeomen defeated the Lords under John W. Heisman 38-0 en route to a perfect 7-0 season … The last time the Yeomen opened their season against the Lords was in 1949 when they defeated Kenyon 45-7 … In the 2009 match-up, the Yeomen were plagued by costly turnovers en route to a 21-9 defeat … Quarterback David Kalgren had a solid game leading the offense with 216 total yards, while Sean Curtis scored the Yeomen's lone touchdown on a 2-yard run that pulled the Yeomen within 14-9 with just under 13 minutes to play … Unfortunately, the Lords were able to milk the clock while Oberlin's final two drives stalled … The Yeomen were led defensively by Dane Stritt, who racked up 10 tackles and Jake Hochendoner, who earned Heisman Club Player of the Game Honors with six tackles, including two for a loss and one sack.

Scouting the Lords…
Although Kenyon is normally known for its high-powered, high-octane offense, they will look to an experienced defense this season, after seeing 16 seniors graduate, many of which filled every offense skill position for the Lords … The Lords defense returns seven starters from last season, led by seniors Mark Sullivan, Beau Calcei, and Frankie Morales … Offensively, the Lords will rely heavily on their running game as heir-apparent at the quarterback position, Dan Shannon, has only attempted five passes in his collegiate career … The Lords will be led on the ground by senior Sean Millet and junior Jeremy Oller.

New Faces in the Backfield …
The Yeomen come into the season with a new set faces in the backfield … Although juniors Adam Lowther and Sean Curtis remain a constant, new additions to the running back corps include highly-touted freshman Moses Richardson, who displays a nice blend of speed and power, along with junior Drew Mixter, who has spent the last two years as a starter at safety … Mixter, a highly-rated running back out of high school, compliments Richardson's speed with power, adding yet another weapon to offensive coordinator Alan Estep's offense.

A New Leader …
Sophomore quarterback Josh Mandel, looks to take the reins of the offense, after missing all of last season with an injury to his throwing hand … Mandel, who has seen limited time since the start of his college career, brings a much different style to the offense than David Kalgren, who made the move back his more natural defensive back position this season … Although Mandel is not afraid to make plays with his feet, look for him to be a smoother presence in the pocket this fall.

Experience is the Name of the Game …
Oberlin returns one of the most experienced teams in recent memory, which should make for a fun and interesting season … Oberlin returns all but two starters from last season's squad in hopes of building off their season ending victory over Hiram College … The offensive line looks to be one of the best in recent memory for the Yeomen, led by seniors Mike Law, Chris Creech, and Chris Pottmeyer … The seniors will also be aided by sophomores Tyler Benson, Robert Conte, and Zeki Alikaya, along with freshman Jim Adkins.