ETSU will look to build on a milestone victory and take control of its series with Western Carolina when the Buccaneers host the Catamounts on Saturday.
The Bucs enter the game at 2-2 after a 35-27 win over West Georgia last week, the 400th victory in program history.
Freshman quarterback Mason Mims completed 15 of 24 passes for 198 yards and two touchdowns in the win.
Mims has thrown at least two touchdown passes in three of ETSU’s four games and leads Division I freshman quarterbacks in passing yards with 991 while ranking first among that group in completion percentage at 71.8%.
ETSU safety Mike Jenkins was named Southern Conference Defensive Player of the Week after returning an interception for a touchdown against West Georgia and recording a season-high eight tackles.
Jenkins’ pick-six was ETSU’s first interception of the season and its first interception return for a touchdown since Jimmy Bowdry accomplished the feat against The Citadel in September 2024.
The Bucs have also been efficient on third down, converting 29 of 54 attempts this season for a 53.7% rate that ranks sixth in the FCS.
ETSU converted eight of 15 third-down opportunities in last week’s win.
Western Carolina also enters Saturday at 2-2 after a 58-14 win over Presbyterian.
The Catamounts previously defeated Eastern Kentucky 45-21 and have losses to Campbell and Cincinnati.
Saturday’s matchup will break a tie in the all-time series, which stands at 27-27-1.
ETSU has won the past two meetings, including a 52-35 victory in Cullowhee last season.
A Buccaneers win would give ETSU its first three-game streak over Western Carolina since 1994-96.
