With one week left in the regular season, Eastern University Football (8–1, 7–1 MAC) has already secured at least a share of the MAC Championship. after defeating FDU-Florham and watching Misericordia fall to Delaware Valley. But the Eagles head to Owings Mills on Saturday knowing that a win over Stevenson (6–3, 5–3 MAC) would give the program sole possession of the conference title in just its third varsity season.

Eastern enters the finale on a six-game winning streak after last week's 28–7 victory over FDU. The Eagles built a 21–0 lead by halftime and controlled the game on the ground while the defense forced two turnovers. That same defense has held opponents to just 15.6 points and 237 yards per game during the winning streak

For the second time this fall, Gashawn Moody Sr. was named MAC Defensive Player of the Week. The senior safety led the way with nine tackles, a tackle for loss, and an interception. Moody, a two-time First-Team All-MAC performer, now ranks second on the team with 62 total tackles.

Eastern's offense has maintained its identity as the MAC's top rushing unit. The Eagles average 242.1 yards per game and 5.4 yards per carry behind a veteran offensive line that has overcome several injuries. 

Dual-threat quarterback Brett Nabb leads the way with 1,011 rushing yards and seven scores, while running back Jeremiah Avrilien adds 910 yards and a conference-best 15 rushing touchdowns. Against FDU, Nabb set a new program-standard with 193 yards running.  He has thrown for 1,099 yards and nine touchdowns to give Eastern a balanced 372.7 yards of total offense per game. Eastern's running game is 11th nationally. 

The passing game has leaned on efficiency and explosiveness. Six Eastern receivers have caught a pass for more than 30 yards this year. Eddie Swinton (213 yards, four touchdowns) and Justin Nikolopoulos (365 yards, three touchdowns) headline a group that averages nearly 16 yards per catch. Eastern has outscored opponents 275–140 this season.

Linebacker Jason Bateman, fresh off consecutive MAC Defensive Player of the Week honors earlier this month, continues to anchor the front seven with 64 tackles, 9.5 TFL, 4.0 sacks, and five forced fumbles. Salif Nikiema has added 10 tackles for loss and six sacks. Eastern's deep defensive line group is only improving as Freddie DiNardo and Landon Blauch add weight and strength in their rookie campaigns. Blauch had a sack at Widener and DiNardo had two sacks and three quarterback hurries against FDU.. The Eagles have allowed only 3.1 yards per rush and just 11 rushing touchdowns all season.

Eastern has surrendered only five passing touchdowns this year and no opponent has completed a pass for a score since the start of October. 

Stevenson (6–3, 5–3 MAC) comes in as one of the league's most physical teams and one of its most dangerous down the stretch. The Mustangs are led by running back Louis Clouser, who has 1,176 rushing yards and 11 touchdowns on 6.1 yards per carry, and quarterback Jordan Adams, who has accounted for 1,301 total yards and 16 total touchdowns. 

Defensively, Stevenson is deep and experienced up front. They have 45 tackles for loss and 22 sacks. Terae Franklin (8.5 TFL, 6 sacks) and Brandon Adler (4.5 sacks) will go up against an Eastern offensive line that with the help of Nabb's elusiveness, has given up only seven sacks all year. Daryus Henderson adds coverage ability with two interceptions, and linebacker Matthew Berry returned a pick 92 yards for a touchdown earlier this year.

The Mustangs are 6–3 overall and 5–3 in the MAC, riding a two-game winning streak with victories over Lebanon Valley (15–13) and Albright (17–7)

Stevenson averages 372.4 yards of offense per game and 26.7 points, while holding opponents to 20.9 points per game.

The Mustangs need to beat Eastern and Misericordia to beat King's to play in the MAC Centennial Bowl Series.

The Eagles have already made a huge step forward in the program's third season. Their challenge at Stevenson is to win and own the title themselves. 

Eastern will find out its NCAA Tournament slot at 5 pm on Sunday. 

Kickoff is set for 1 p.m. at Mustang Stadium in Owings Mills, Maryland.