NEWPORT NEWS, Va.- The 2013 regular season comes to a close Saturday for the Christopher Newport University football team. The Captains, with an overall record of 7-2 and conference record of 4-2, travel to Ferrum, Va., to take on the Panthers of Ferrum College. Kickoff time is set for 1:00 p.m.

It's been a season of twists for Matt Kelchner's squad. CNU opened the campaign with three straight wins against a solid trio of non-conference opponents. Then, the bottom fell out and the Captains dropped two USA South games in a span of three weeks. Recently, though, CNU has bounced back with three straight victories heading into play Saturday.

"Our defense has been there for us pretty much all year," Head Coach Matt Kelchner said. "Our offense has been inconsistent, but has been showing some good signs. We need to put together a full effort Saturday and keep our playoff hopes alive."

Christopher Newport's playoff hopes hinge on winning over Ferrum and getting outside help. CNU can't win the automatic bid from the USA South as Maryville (6-0 in conference play) has already secured the spot. Now, the Captains are vying for an at-large bid to the 32-team tournament, and there are only five such spots available.

"It's all about winning on Saturday, that's what we can control," Kelchner continued. "If we lose the game, nothing else matters, so we have to give ourselves the chance to be selected. We know it's going to be a tough game and Ferrum will give us everything they have."

Ferrum has struggled this season and the Panthers are just 2-7 overall and 2-4 in the USA South. Dave Harper's squad has lost three straight games, including a 10-3 loss at home last Saturday to LaGrange.

CNU is coming off a 24-7 Homecoming Weekend win over Averett last Saturday night at POMOCO Stadium.

The meeting will be the 13th all-time, and the Captains hold a commanding 11-1 lead in the series. CNU is 4-1 all-time at W.B. Adams Stadium, and the Captains have won the last nine games with the Panthers.

Christopher Newport has advanced to the NCAA Tournament nine times in the first 12 seasons of football, and have made the tournament the last two seasons.

All CNU games are broadcast live on the Christopher Newport/Pepsi Radio Network (Xtra 99.1 FM). The pre-game show will begin at 12:30 p.m.

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