Higgins a run-stopper for Muhlenberg Mules

Linebacker Tim Higgins returned to Muhlenberg this fall to play a final season of college football and pursue a graduate degree in applied analytics.

He didn’t need to crunch numbers to land on a key for the undefeated Mules as they head into their Centennial Conference showdown with fell unbeaten Johns Hopkins.

“We need to try to do what we do every week, and that’s stop the run,” Higgins said by phone Monday. “That’s obviously the linebackers’ No. 1 job. If we do that, we give ourselves a good chance.”

Higgins, an Emmaus High graduate, and Muhlenberg have stuffed the run better than anyone in the Centennial Conference. The Mules (7-0 overall, 4-0 Centennial Conference) have allowed 81.0 rushing yards per game and 2.4 yards per carry, both tops in the league. They also lead the league in total defense (283.3 yards per game) and scoring defense (14.1 points per game).

Johns Hopkins (No. 8 in the D3football.com Top 25) has its share of league-leading stats too. The Blue Jays top the conference in passing defense (176.1 yards per game) and passing offense (271.3), prime reasons they’re battling Muhlenberg (No. 21 in the D3football.com rankings) for the conference title.

“You look at us on paper, we’re both winning games by 20-some points,” Muhlenberg coach Nate Milne said. “We’re both forcing more turnovers than we give up. We’re both pretty good on special teams.

“So you look at it statistically, and there are some mirror images. Last year it was a one-score game. The year before that it was a one-score game, and the year before that it was a one-score game. The history tells you this is going to be a ferocious battle between two really good teams.”

The up-front battle will go a long way in determining who seizes control of the Centennial Conference race. Muhlenberg has benefited from a pass rush that has grown throughout the season. The Mules have registered at least two sacks in each of their four Conference games and have 18 overall.

Higgins has 2.5 sacks thanks in part to spending more time as an edge rusher. Improved health has also helped him produce.

“It’s been a combination of some younger guys, like Blaze [Curry, a Southern Lehigh graduate] and Alex [Schafer, another Southern Lehigh grad] coming along, and then Tim really finding a niche,” Milne said.

Higgins cited the practice reps he receives against Muhlenberg’s offensive line for improving his pass-rush skills. The Mules feature five offensive linemen who are either two- or three-year starters.

That group, led by captain and left tackle Zach Greenberg, will need an ‘A’ effort to give Muhlenberg’s offense time to operate against the Blue Jays. Johns Hopkins has piled up 26 sacks through seven games, including eight from Luke Schuermann. He has 33 sacks and 59 tackles for loss in 29 career games.

“Whatever gets thrown at us on Saturday, they’ll be ready for it, because they work hard in practice,” Higgins said of Muhlenberg’s O-line. “They’re all sound linemen, and it’s awesome to see them block on Saturdays.”

Added Milne: “I think ultimately it will be won in the trenches, to see who can control clock and who can keep the other team’s offense off the football field.”

Here’s a look at this week’s games.

Shippensburg (2-6 overall, 2-3 PSAC East) at East Stroudsburg (7-1, 4-1) When: Taking note:

1:05 p.m. Saturday.

East Stroudsburg is 7-1 for the first time since 2004. …

The Warriors have the No. 1-ranked rushing defense in the PSAC, allowing 70.8 yards per game and 2.4 yards per carry. Shippensburg is averaging just 2.6 yards per carry, worst in the PSAC. … Shippensburg has allowed 27 sacks, the second-most in the PSAC.

Millersville (3-5 overall, 1-4 PSAC East) at Kutztown (6-2, 5-0) When: Taking note:

2 p.m. Saturday.

Kutztown hasn’t allowed a touchdown in three straight games and four of its five PSAC

East contests. The Golden Bears are allowing 8.4 points in their division games. … Millersville has allowed a PSAC-high 29 sacks. It also leads the PSAC with 28 sacks. … Kutztown redshirt freshman defensive lineman Freddie Retter (Quakertown) had five tackles and 1.5 sacks in Saturday’s 7-3 win over Lock Haven. He has 26 tackles and 3.5 sacks this season.

Johns Hopkins (7-0 overall, 3-0 Centennial Conference) at Muhlenberg (7-0, 4-0) When: Taking note:

2 p.m. Saturday

Muhlenberg leads the Centennial Conference in scoring offense (40.1 points per game) and defense (14.1 ppg). Johns Hopkins ranks second in both categories (38.4, 18.1). … Muhlenberg junior kicker Connor Fenstermaker (Whitehall) recorded four touchbacks on seven kickoffs in Saturday’s win over Dickinson. … Mules sophomore defensive end Blaze Curry (Southern Lehigh) has at least a halfsack in three of his last four games.

Susquehanna (8-0 overall, 4-0 Landmark Conference) at Moravian (4-3, 3-0) When: Taking note:

1 p.m. Saturday.

Moravian senior running back Nate Boyle (Tamaqua) moved over 2,000 rushing yards with his 143-yard game Saturday against Juniata. He is now 12th in program history with 2,012 yards.

… The Greyhounds have seven players with at least 10 receptions. Senior Jordan Bingham leads them with 53 catches and 628 receiving yards. … Susquehanna leads the Landmark Conference in scoring offense (41.3 points per game) and defense (13.1). … Susquehanna is ranked

No. 11 in the D3football.com Top 25.