Head Football Coach John Bland and the University of the Cumberlands (UC) football team have made a name for themselves in the NAIA over the last few years.  Winning nearly 50 games, 4 conference championships, and a plethora of individual awards has put the Patriots on the national map.  It is no doubt that something special is happening at Cumberlands and should be no surprise now when the Patriots are recognized.

Many players are returning on both the offensive and defensive side of the football, and with a huge talented freshmen class, the Patriots look poised to be serious title contenders.  The NAIA most certainly agrees as they ranked the Patriots 19^th in the Preseason Top 25 poll.  The Patriots finished the regular season on a 5 game winning streak and ranked 22^nd in the country.  Preseason polls are nothing new for the Patriots as they have been ranked in the NAIA Top 25 Preseason Poll the last 5 seasons.  Head Coach John Bland is happy with the ranking but is ready to be high ranked in the final polls.  Bland states, "It is always good to be ranked early, but the final ranking is the only one that matters."

The Patriots were not the only team in the Mid-South Conference to be represented.  They join Georgetown College, Bethel University, Cumberland University, and Campbellsville University in the NAIA Top 25.  Georgetown was ranked highest at 4^th in the country with Bethel following at 11^th.  Cumberland University is tied for 22^nd and Campbellsville finishes the list at 25^th.  Lindsey Wilson College is also in the mix as they are receiving votes in the NAIA Top 25 and are looking to make an impact this season. 

The Patriots start their quest for their 5^th conference title in 6 years on Saturday, September, 1^st 2012 at James H. Taylor, II Stadium at 1:30 PM as they take on Belhaven University.

For more information on the Patriots football program along with other Patriot athletics, please visit www.cumberlandspatriots.com.